When it comes to getting things done at the eleventh hour, we’ve all been there. Whether it’s a project deadline or a gift for a friend’s birthday, finding the right words to describe that last-minute rush can be a challenge. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered with a list of top slang for last minute situations that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even laughing at how accurately they capture those moments of urgency. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the linguistic landscape of procrastination and urgency.
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1. at the buzzer
This phrase is often used in sports to describe a shot or play that is made just before the clock runs out. It can also be used in non-sports contexts to describe completing a task or making a decision just before a deadline.
- For example, “He scored the winning goal at the buzzer!”
- In a work setting, someone might say, “I finished the report at the buzzer.”
- A student might say, “I submitted my assignment at the buzzer.”
2. 11th hour
This term refers to completing a task or making a decision just before it is due or necessary. It implies that the action was done with little time to spare.
- For instance, “They finished the project at the 11th hour.”
- A person might say, “I always work best at the 11th hour.”
- In a discussion about procrastination, someone might say, “I tend to leave things until the 11th hour.”
3. 59th minute
This phrase is often used to describe completing a task or making a decision just before it is due. It implies that the action was done with little time remaining.
- For example, “She turned in her assignment at the 59th minute.”
- A person might say, “I always seem to finish things at the 59th minute.”
- In a work context, someone might say, “We finalized the deal at the 59th minute.”
4. last gasp
This term is often used to describe completing a task or making a decision just before it is too late. It implies that the action was done with a sense of urgency or desperation.
- For instance, “He made a last gasp effort to finish the project.”
- A person might say, “I always seem to do things at the last gasp.”
- In a sports context, someone might say, “They scored a last gasp goal to win the game.”
5. final hour
This phrase is often used to describe completing a task or making a decision just before it is due or necessary. It implies that the action was done with little time to spare.
- For example, “They finished the presentation in the final hour.”
- A person might say, “I always work best in the final hour.”
- In a discussion about time management, someone might say, “I tend to leave things until the final hour.”
6. last-ditch
Refers to a final attempt or effort made when all other options have failed or are no longer possible. The term often conveys a sense of urgency or desperation.
- For example, “They made a last-ditch effort to save the project by working through the night.”
- In a sports context, a team might make a last-ditch tackle or save to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
- A person facing a deadline might say, “I’m in a last-ditch race against time to finish this report.”
7. 11:59
Refers to the very last minute before a deadline or cutoff time. The term is often used to express the sense of urgency or pressure associated with completing a task or meeting a deadline.
- For instance, “I submitted my assignment at 11:59 PM, right before the deadline.”
- A person might say, “I always work best under pressure, so I tend to finish things at 11:59.”
- In a humorous context, someone might joke, “I’ll start my diet tomorrow… at 11:59.”
8. Hail Mary
Originally a term used in American football, “Hail Mary” now refers to any desperate or risky move made as a last-ditch effort to achieve success or avoid failure. The term implies a low probability of success but a willingness to take a chance.
- For example, “They decided to try a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the game.”
- In a business context, a company might make a Hail Mary investment to try to turn their fortunes around.
- A person facing a difficult situation might say, “I’m going to try a Hail Mary and see if it works.”
9. last call
Refers to the final opportunity to do or get something before it is no longer available. The term is commonly used in the context of bars or restaurants, where it signifies the last chance to order drinks before closing time.
- For instance, “The bartender announced last call, signaling that it was time to order one final drink.”
- In a social setting, someone might say, “This is your last call to join us for the party tonight.”
- A person might use the term metaphorically and say, “It’s last call for tickets to the concert, so get them now before they’re gone.”
10. squeaky bum time
A British slang term used to describe a nervous or tense period, especially in sports or competitive situations. The term conveys the feeling of anxiety or anticipation when the outcome is uncertain.
- For example, “During the penalty shootout, it was squeaky bum time for the players and fans.”
- In a business context, someone might say, “We’re in squeaky bum time as we wait for the client’s decision.”
- A person facing a challenging task might say, “It’s squeaky bum time, but I’m determined to succeed.”
11. the final verdict
This phrase refers to making a decision or judgment at the very last moment, typically after considering all the available options or evidence. It implies that the decision is final and will not be changed.
- For instance, “We couldn’t agree on a restaurant for dinner, so we left it to the final verdict and ended up going to a pizza place.”
- In a group project, someone might say, “Let’s discuss all the options and then come to the final verdict.”
- A manager might say, “I need your final verdict on this proposal by the end of the day.”