last-minute save
Eleventh-hour intervention
A last-minute save is an intervention that prevents failure or disaster just before time runs out.
The phrase comes from sports—a goalkeeper blocking a shot in the final seconds—but extends to any narrow rescue: A last-minute save from the IT department recovered the corrupted files.
The emphasis is on both the lateness and the relief.
- clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
- rescueSave from harm
- heroicExceptionally brave and noble
- buzzer-beaterScore at the horn
- dying secondsFinal instants before end
dramatic · nail-biter · photo finish · desperate · do or die · overtime · comeback · goal line · diving · goalkeeper · miracle · nick of time · snatch · scramble · eleventh-hour · close shave · skin of teeth · heart-pounding
- close callsclose call, near miss, narrow escape, close shave, nick of time
- cliffhangersseason finale, plot twist, to be continued, twist ending, suspense
last-minute saveearly intervention
Prompt response to emerging problems
foresight · preventive action · early action · preventive measure · long-term planning
last-minute savetoo little too late
Insufficient and belated remedy
tragic ending · catastrophic loss · total disaster · missed deadline · missed opportunity
last, minute, save, lastly, minutes, saves, saved, saving, saver