end game
Final strategic phase
The end game is the final stage of a process, especially when strategy shifts toward conclusion.
Originally from chess, where the end game begins when few pieces remain and different tactics apply.
Now used broadly: the end game of negotiations, What's your end game here?
Also spelled endgame.
Concluding part of performance
- denouementStory's final unraveling
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- outcomeFinal result of events
- culminationHighest or final point
closure · wrap-up · final chapter · last act · completion · ultimate goal · finishing move · home stretch
Inescapable capture position
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- matePartner or companion
- zugzwangObligatory weakening move situation
- sacrificeGiving up something precious
grandmaster · opposition · fortress · technique · conversion · simplification · calculation
Last major enemy
- ultimate abilityPeak combat skill
- final stageConcluding phase of something
- power-upsCollectible game bonuses
- checkpointInspection station on route
save point · raid · max level · postgame · final confrontation · victory screen
Catholic Marian invocation
- do-or-dieDesperately crucial situation
- last chanceUltimate remaining opportunity
- now or neverFinal opportunity phrase
- sink or swimSucceed alone or fail
final stand · last resort · all-in · moment of truth · survival mode · backs against the wall · last-ditch effort · clutch play
Goals set for distant future
- master planOverall strategic framework
- strategic positioningDeliberate advantageous arrangement
- decisive actionFirm choice, promptly executed
- winning positionFavorable competitive standing
finale
Concluding part of performance
- denouementStory's final unraveling
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- outcomeFinal result of events
culmination · closure · wrap-up · final chapter · last act · completion · ultimate goal · finishing move · home stretch · final push
checkmate
Inescapable capture position
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- matePartner or companion
- zugzwangObligatory weakening move situation
sacrifice · grandmaster · opposition · fortress · technique · conversion · simplification · calculation
final boss
Last major enemy
- ultimate abilityPeak combat skill
- final stageConcluding phase of something
- power-upsCollectible game bonuses
checkpoint · save point · raid · max level · postgame · final confrontation · victory screen
Hail Mary
Catholic Marian invocation
- do-or-dieDesperately crucial situation
- last chanceUltimate remaining opportunity
- now or neverFinal opportunity phrase
sink or swim · final stand · last resort · all-in · moment of truth · survival mode · backs against the wall · last-ditch effort · clutch play · buzzer beater
long-term plan
Goals set for distant future
- master planOverall strategic framework
- strategic positioningDeliberate advantageous arrangement
- decisive actionFirm choice, promptly executed
- game mechanicslevels, rules, cooldown, points, health points
- Scrabbletiles, board, rack, blank, triple word
- strategystrategy, grand strategy, tactics, tactic, tactical
- endingsthe end, finish, close, final, end
- desperate measureslast resort, desperate plea, desperation move, last ditch, last chance
- showdownsshowdown, face-off, faceoff, confrontation, duel
end gamegroundwork
Foundational preparation for something
preparation · long game · opening moves · opening gambit · setup