under the wire

Cultural  

1. Just in time: “Nancy mailed off her application, and it got in just under the wire.” From horse racing, in which the wire marks the finish line.

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under the wire Idioms  

1. Barely, scarcely, just within the limit, as in This book will be finished just under the wire. This term comes from horse racing, where the wire marks the finish line. [First half of 1900s] Also see down to the wire.

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Example Sentences

Pastoria is sliding in just under the wire, as projects must start construction by July or begin running by the end of next year.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

This passes, just under the wire, as humor because of the rhyme.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

Another combo that I want to sneak in under the wire: Mexican Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies with dulce de leche ice cream.

From Washington Times • Aug. 7, 2023

Eeli Tolvanen completed the accuracy shooting challenge just under the wire, knocking down his last target as time ran out.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2023

He accelerated away and cruised under the wire all alone, breaking the track record.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand