last-gasp
Eleventh-hour attempt's quality
Last-gasp describes something done at the final possible moment, often desperately or with remaining strength nearly exhausted.
A last-gasp effort comes when time or resources are almost gone.
A last-gasp goal wins or ties a game just before the final whistle.
The phrase evokes someone's dying breath—one final attempt before it's too late.
Wildly anxious or desperate
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
- scrambleMix into disorder
- do-or-dieDesperately crucial situation
- all-or-nothingWithout partial outcomes
desperate · flailing · grasping · clinging · futile · hopeless · wild · reckless
Decisive final confrontation
- finaleConcluding part of performance
- culminationHighest or final point
- crescendoGradual increase in loudness
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
decisive moment · turning point · critical juncture · tipping point · endgame · final stand · sudden death · overtime
- final breathDying person's last exhale
- swan songFinal work or performance
- death rattleSound of expiring lungs
- curtain callPost-show audience acknowledgment
twilight · sunset · farewell · goodbye · parting · coda · epilogue · finale
Essential connection to safety
- reprievePostponement of punishment
- rescueSave from harm
- salvationDeliverance from harm
- narrow escapeBarely avoiding disaster
close call · second wind · rally · comeback · resuscitation · revival · recovery · hanging on
Exhausted or disbursed
- drainedEmptied of resources
- depletedSeverely reduced or emptied
- fadingGradual loss of intensity
- collapsingFalling inward suddenly
wheezing · struggling · labored · strained · faltering · flagging · wilting · running on empty
frantic
Wildly anxious or desperate
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
- scrambleMix into disorder
- do-or-dieDesperately crucial situation
all-or-nothing · desperate · flailing · grasping · clinging · futile · hopeless · wild · reckless · panicked
showdown
Decisive final confrontation
- finaleConcluding part of performance
- culminationHighest or final point
- crescendoGradual increase in loudness
cliffhanger · decisive moment · turning point · critical juncture · tipping point · endgame · final stand · sudden death · overtime · photo finish
dying breath
- final breathDying person's last exhale
- swan songFinal work or performance
- death rattleSound of expiring lungs
curtain call · twilight · sunset · farewell · goodbye · parting · coda · epilogue · finale · expiration
lifeline
Essential connection to safety
narrow escape · close call · second wind · rally · comeback · resuscitation · revival · recovery · hanging on · fighting chance
spent
Exhausted or disbursed
collapsing · wheezing · struggling · labored · strained · faltering · flagging · wilting · running on empty · fumes
last-gasppreemptive
Acting to forestall
well-planned · proactive · anticipatory · premeditated · early