Down to the wire definitions
| Word backwards | nwod ot eht eriw |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The phrase "down to the wire" is a prepositional phrase. |
| Syllabic division | down to the wire: down / to / the / wire |
| Plural | The plural of "down to the wire" is "down to the wires." |
| Total letters | 13 |
| Vogais (3) | o,e,i |
| Consonants (6) | d,w,n,t,h,r |
When a situation comes "down to the wire," it means that it is reaching a crucial or critical stage where a decision must be made or action taken imminently. This phrase is often used to describe scenarios where time is running out, and the outcome hangs in the balance.
Origin of the phrase
The origin of the expression "down to the wire" dates back to the late 19th century when it was commonly used in horse racing. In races where the finish line was marked by a wire suspended above the track, horses would have to literally run "down to the wire" to determine the winner.
Usage in different contexts
Over time, the phrase has expanded beyond horse racing and is now used in various contexts to describe situations where there is a sense of urgency, pressure, or suspense. It can be applied to sports events, business negotiations, academic deadlines, or any scenario where a final decision or outcome is imminent.
Implications of being down to the wire
When a situation is down to the wire, it often implies that there is little room for error or delay. Decisive action must be taken, and choices must be made quickly to avoid a negative outcome. This sense of urgency can lead to heightened stress levels but may also result in swift and effective decision-making.
Overall, being down to the wire signifies a critical moment where the outcome is uncertain, and the stakes are high. It captures the intensity and pressure of facing a pivotal juncture that demands immediate attention and action.
Down to the wire Examples
- The game came down to the wire, with the final goal scored in the last minute.
- The election results were so close that it was down to the wire until the very end.
- The project deadline is approaching, and we are down to the wire to get everything finished on time.
- The race was intense, and it was down to the wire as the runners sprinted towards the finish line.
- The negotiation went down to the wire, with a deal finally reached just before the deadline.
- The suspenseful movie kept viewers on the edge of their seats as the plot came down to the wire.
- The team's performance in the championship game was outstanding, despite the pressure being down to the wire.
- The musician's latest album release was pushed down to the wire due to last-minute changes.
- The budget meeting went down to the wire as stakeholders debated the final allocation of funds.
- The student's grade in the course was uncertain until the very end, when it came down to the wire.