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late in the day
01
too late or close to the end of a particular period or situation to be useful or effective
What is the origin of the idiom "late in the day" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "late in the day" can be traced back to the concept of measuring time based on the progression of daylight hours. The phrase draws upon the literal meaning of the word "late," which refers to something occurring towards the end of a period or after the expected or usual time. In this case, "the day" refers to the period of daylight. it It is often used to convey a sense of missed opportunity or limited impact, suggesting that something is happening or being considered when it may be too late to make a significant difference.
Example
He made the decision late in the day, and it had significant consequences for the outcome of the project.
They discovered the issue late in the day, after most of the work had already been completed.
The team is discussing potential changes, but it might be late in the day to implement them before the project deadline.
It will be late in the day to negotiate the terms of the contract once the deadline approaches.
We realized late in the day that the market had shifted, and our product was no longer in demand.
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