tight deadline
Rush to finish
A tight deadline is one that allows little time to complete the work required.
The tightness comes from the squeeze between task size and available hours: We're on a tight deadline, so I'll need that report by noon.
The phrase implies pressure and urgency, often used to explain rushed work or declined requests.
- crunchCrushing, grinding noise
- crunch timeHigh-pressure final stretch
- pressureForce upon contact
- under the gunFacing urgent pressure
- rushQuick sudden movement
urgent · race against time · stress · countdown · scramble · hustle · looming · sprint · pedal to the metal · panic · overtime · frantic · eleventh hour · time crunch · last minute · time is ticking · racing · sweating