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UKunder the wire
/ˌʌndə ðə wˈaɪə/
/ˌʌndɚ ðə wˈaɪɚ/under the wire
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "under the wire" and when to use it?
The idiom "under the wire" has its origin in horse racing, specifically in reference to the finish line. In horse racing, a wire was traditionally stretched across the track at the finish line to determine the winner. Jockeys and their horses would strive to cross the finish line under the wire, aiming to be the first to reach it. It is commonly used when referring to completing a task, submitting a document, or achieving a goal just before a designated deadline.
Examples
1. Basically, the doctors thought it may have pressed pause on its development and hung around in the uterus for a few weeks before implanting, getting in just under the wire in terms of uterine receptivity.
2. Yes, woo, barely, sneaking under the wire.
3. - I was hoping that I would get it in slightly under the wire, and that they wouldn't have time to react to it, but I played it too fast.
4. Keep going and you'll finish them all, right under the wire, the day right before the next season begins.
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