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• last-gasp
  last-gasp

  noun

  (modifier) done in desperation at the last minute
• last gasp
  last gasp

  The moment before death; also, the end. For example, “Fight till the last gasp” (Shakespeare, 1 Henry VI, 1:2), or He was determined to stay at the party until the last gasp. This idiom alludes to taking one's last breath, literally (first example) or figuratively (second example). [Late 1500s]

last-gasp

British  

noun

1. (modifier) done in desperation at the last minute

   a last-gasp attempt to save the talks

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last gasp Idioms  

1. The moment before death; also, the end. For example, “Fight till the last gasp” (Shakespeare, 1 Henry VI, 1:2), or He was determined to stay at the party until the last gasp. This idiom alludes to taking one's last breath, literally (first example) or figuratively (second example). [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

last-gasp last gasp

Messi and Mbappe both converted from 12 yards in the shootout, but maverick stopper Emi Martinez - who also denied Randal Kolo Muani a last-gasp winner - proved the Argentine hero.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

England will drop out of the World Cup if they lose the match, but many are hopeful of something like the team's last-gasp win against the Democratic Republic of Congo last week.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

A last-gasp 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in the opener was followed by a humiliating goalless draw with debutants Curacao - which turned the fans against the coach.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

Partey missed Ghana's last-gasp 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after his country failed with an appeal against his Canadian visa rejection.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

I've ranked my top 10 below - a heady mix of last-gasp goals, all-round artistry and golden-gloved heroes.

From BBC ● May 28, 2026

That proved to be the last gasp for the American attack.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

However, a pass interference penalty advanced the ball to the Marquez 39 and gave the Rams one last gasp with zeros on the clock.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 29, 2025

All these years later, Carrie waits for the show’s last gasp to wrestle with the question that has defined modern dating for millions of single people.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2025

That sure was the last gasp of the 20th century, the future would say.

From Slate ● Jan. 20, 2025

The sun shines brightly, but the last gasp of winter air makes the day feel chilly.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Related Words

• do-or-die
• frantic
• last-gasp