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down to the wire
What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "down to the wire" can be traced back to horse racing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In horse racing, a wire was stretched across the finish line to help determine the winner of a race. As the horses approached the finish line, the race would often be so close that it would be decided in the final moments, just as they crossed the wire. It is commonly employed when discussing tight deadlines, close competitions, or critical moments in a process.
Example
The students studied diligently, cramming for the exam down to the wire to maximize their preparation time.
The negotiations went down to the wire as both parties struggled to reach an agreement before the contract expired.
The race was neck and neck, and the runners sprinted down to the wire to determine the winner.
With only seconds remaining, the basketball player made a crucial shot down to the wire, securing the victory for his team.
The team worked tirelessly, making progress down to the wire to complete the project before the deadline.
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