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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

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic refused to give detailed thoughts about his side being denied a last-gasp equaliser.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

The former Brighton striker has played just 56 minutes so far but already has three goals - including a last-gasp winner against Ivory Coast - and two assists to his name.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

He will have been delighted with his team's start, a last-gasp victory over Panama raising hopes of a first appearance in the knockout stage since their famous run to the quarter-finals in 2010.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 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

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

"We are seeing the last gasp of a humanitarian system built on humanitarian principles," António Guterres told the UN Security Council.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2025

It was the last gasp of a time when the divide between consumer and star was not only hyper-delineated but also rarely crossed.

From Slate ● Nov. 30, 2024

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