nick-of-time
Just before disaster
Nick-of-time describes something happening at the last possible moment before it would be too late.
Almost always appears as an adjective before a noun: a nick-of-time rescue, a nick-of-time save.
The phrase comes from the expression in the nick of time, where nick means a precise point or notch.
Just before deadline
clutch · intervention · reprieve · deliverance · avert · rescue · snatch · pull-through
Time limit for completion
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- clockDevice displaying time
- buzzer-beaterScore at the horn
- split-secondFraction of a moment
crucial · critical · pivotal · decisive · opportune · punctual · synchronization · precision
Strikingly expressive or sudden
- tensionStretched or strained state
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
- anticipationState of awaiting something
breathless · nail-biting · heart-pounding · edge-of-seat · climax · Hollywood · cinematic · hero
last-minute
Just before deadline
escape · clutch · intervention · reprieve · deliverance · avert · rescue · snatch · pull-through · eleventh-hour
deadline
Time limit for completion
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- clockDevice displaying time
- buzzer-beaterScore at the horn
split-second · crucial · critical · pivotal · decisive · opportune · punctual · synchronization · precision · window
dramatic
Strikingly expressive or sudden
- tensionStretched or strained state
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
anticipation · breathless · nail-biting · heart-pounding · edge-of-seat · climax · Hollywood · cinematic · hero · cavalry
nick-of-timeahead of schedule
Before the planned time
early · in good time · ahead of time · premature · leisurely
nick-of-timetoo late
Past the cutoff
belated · after the fact · belatedly · a day late and a dollar short · missed the boat
nick, nicks, nicked, nicking, time, times, timed, timing, timer