Down to the Wire
Down to the wire means the last instant.
- People put everything off until the last minute.
- Or they near the end of a contest.
They have no more time.
This expression comes from horse racing.
Years ago, a wire marked the end of a horse race. When the race was close, the contest was down to the wire. No one knew the winner until the first horse reached the wire. That horse won by a nose.
People often work down to the wire to:
- Complete homework
- Finish a job
- Prepare for guests
People who like to work down to the wire:
- Almost always wait until the last minute
- Don’t mind close deadlines
- Work well under pressure
They usually:
- Put off
- Fly by the seat of their pants
- Get the job done, but not until they have to
People who hate to work down to the wire:
- Want to be on time or early
- Worry or get nervous when deadlines near
- Work poorly under pressure
They usually:
- Plan
- Go by the book
- Get the job done with plenty of time to spare.
I hate working down to the wire. What about you? Please comment below.
“My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NIV).
Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
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5 thoughts on “Down to the Wire”
As a journalist, I am often writing down to the wire!! Something happens that is strange to me though. I feel like I write better, making each word count, each sentence and transition right the first time because I don’t leave myself enough time to go back and fix it. I wonder if procrastination somehow feeds perfectionism?
Maybe one day, I’ll figure it out! Then again, I can wait …
Thanks for a great post!
Thank you, Kristy. I’d never thought about procrastination feeding perfectionism, but that makes sense for people who work well under pressure. I love your “Maybe one day, I’ll figure it out! Then again, I can wait …” In the meantime, I look forward to more of your down-to-the-wire articles.
I’m like you, Diana—not a last-minute person. Glad it works for you, Kristy!
I’ve had to work down to the wire a few times, but it makes me terribly uncomfortable, Tracy. Maybe we can contact Kristy for encouragement the next time it happens.