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

Steve Tandy's reign has started with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win against Japan.

From BBC

The 45-year-old former Ospreys boss has suffered significant defeats against Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa, alongside a one-point last-gasp win against Japan courtesy of a late Jarrod Evans penalty.

From BBC

With new head coach Steve Tandy in charge for the first time, Wales will reflect on an autumn series in which they have suffered convincing defeats against Argentina New Zealand and South Africa and a one-point win against Japan with a last-gasp Jarrod Evans penalty.

From BBC

Wales coach Steve Tandy made six changes from the side that beat Japan 24-23 last week thanks to Jarrod Evans' last-gasp penalty, which included the return of centre Joe Hawkins after a 30-month absence and a first cap for Ospreys flanker Harri Deaves.

From BBC

All season long, Chicago has pulled off miraculous, last-gasp victories—and Sunday was no different.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• do-or-die
• frantic
• last-gasp