last minute

American  

[min-it] / ˈmɪn ɪt /

noun

1. the time just preceding a deadline or when some decisive action must be taken.

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last-minute British  

noun

1. (modifier) given or done at the latest possible time

   last-minute preparations

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Other Word Forms

• last-minute adjective

Etymology

Origin of last minute

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Speaking after the game, Arteta said: "Until the last minute, I asked him: 'How are you feeling?' And he said: 'I am in'. And he showed he was big-time in."

From BBC

He's had one game this season for Bournemouth and got sent off in the last minute.

From BBC

Iran is in the middle of an extended weekend, with the authorities declaring Wednesday a bank holiday at the last minute, citing the need to save energy during the cold weather.

From Barron's

“You cannot whip this together at the last minute. It’s just not going to happen,” Hall said.

From MarketWatch

“I was in Lake Como on a sisters’ trip when I got an invite at the last minute and decided to go on a whim, and Andrea was tired.

From MarketWatch