fell at the final hurdle

Lost at end

To fall at the final hurdle is to fail at the last stage of an endeavor, just before completion or success.

From horse racing, where a horse might clear every obstacle except the last one and lose the race.

The phrase emphasizes how close someone came: She fell at the final hurdle when her visa was denied the week before the job started.

Opposites

outcome at the final stage

fell at the final hurdlestuck the landing

Finished a routine perfectly

trajectory of completion

fell at the final hurdlesucceeded

Achieved desired outcome

timing of failure

fell at the final hurdledead on arrival

Lifeless upon reaching destination

Family