falling at the last hurdle
Collapse near finish
Falling at the last hurdle means failing at the final stage of an endeavor after having succeeded through earlier challenges.
From horse racing, where a horse might clear every obstacle only to stumble at the last one before the finish line.
The phrase emphasizes the particular frustration of near-success: We had the contract ready to sign, then fell at the last hurdle when their board vetoed the deal.
- misstepError in action or judgment
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- raceCompetition of speed
- race against timeUrgent struggle before deadline
- shortcomingA fault or weakness
collapse · determination · pitfall · blunder · resilience · defeat · persistence · endeavor · bitter end · cruel twist · trial · championship · stumbling block · contest · roadblock · regret · stumble · obstacle course
falling at the last hurdleclutch performance
Success under intense pressure
fall, falls, fell, fallen, faller, falling, fallout, downfall, other