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

My dad used to tell me to only watch the end of NBA games, because they are always tied going into the last minute.

From Los Angeles Times

“Don’t wait until the last minute; start the process several months before the wedding,” the law firm says.

From MarketWatch

Taking the initiative in this way also establishes a clear boundary and may, at the very least, motivate this bridesmaid to drop out earlier rather than at the last minute.

From MarketWatch

"And we are now in a position that we cannot afford a lot of mistakes anymore, because we've made far too many, and with mistakes I mean giving away goals in the last minute."

From Barron's

Not everyone was happy with the last minute arrangement however, with some members of the audience reportedly booing when the opera's famous aria -- Nessun dorma -- was omitted.

From Barron's