- Until the very last moment; describes a situation whose outcome is uncertain until the very end, especially a competition or contest.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from horse racing.
- Historically, a wire was stretched across the finish line of a racetrack.
- A race that was so close that the winner wasn't clear until the horses reached this wire was said to go down to the wire.
- The phrase extended to any contest, competition, election, or deadline-driven situation that remains undecided until the final moments.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Nail-biter (Describes a situation causing nervous tension)
- Too close to call (Outcome uncertain)
Milder:
- Until the very end
- Decided at the last moment
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in informal to semi-formal contexts, especially when discussing competitions (sports, elections) or negotiations with a deadline.
- Widely understood and common.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might be confused by the literal wire. Explain the horse racing origin and its application to any situation decided at the very end.
- Differentiate it from at the eleventh hour by its stronger association with competition and uncertainty resolved only at the conclusion.
Examples
- The election is going right down to the wire; it's too close to call.
- It was a tight game that went down to the wire.
- Negotiations went down to the wire, but they finally reached a deal.
Dialogue
Sports Announcer 1: Only 30 seconds left on the clock, and the score is tied!
Sports Announcer 2: This championship game is really coming down to the wire, folks! Unbelievable tension.
Sports Announcer 1: The home team has possession... here comes the final play!
Social Media Examples
- Live Tweet: This game is going down to the wire! Edge of my seat! #NBAFinals #Basketball #Tense
- Post: Election results are still coming in... looks like this one is going right down to the wire. #ElectionNight #Politics
- Comment: Wow, that funding deadline really went down to the wire, but we made it! Congrats team! #startup #success
Response Patterns
- I know, it's so tense!
- Who do you think will win?
- I can't watch! (Playfully or genuinely stressed)
- It's nail-biting!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing a situation is down to the wire:
- People usually pay close attention to the final moments or results.
- Discussion often focuses on predictions or the remaining possibilities.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Describes the state of a situation nearing its conclusion, particularly one involving competition or uncertainty.
Intonation
- Often spoken with excitement, tension, or suspense.
- Stress usually falls on down and wire.
- It's coming DOWN to the WIRE!
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions, perhaps especially prevalent in North America due to sports commentary.