What is the origin of the idiom "the last minute" and when to use it?

The idiom "the last minute" originated from the concept of time management and deadlines, emphasizing the urgency and pressure felt as a task or decision needs to be completed within the remaining time. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it has become a widely used expression in English around the 19th century. It is often used to highlight the significance of time and the need for efficiency.