Definition

Noun The latest possible moment before an event or deadline occurs. It refers to a point in time when there is almost no time left to act or make changes.

Usage

This noun phrase is typically used with prepositions like "at," "until," or "in" to describe actions taken with very little time to spare. It often carries a connotation of urgency, poor planning, or sudden necessity.

Examples

• The decision was made at the last minute.
• He always does his homework at the last minute.
• We booked a last-minute holiday deal.
• It was a last-minute change to the schedule.

Advanced Usage

• "to leave something until the last minute": To delay doing a task until there is almost no time left to complete it.
  • He has a bad habit of leaving everything until the last minute.
• "a last-minute rush": A period of frantic activity immediately before a deadline.
  • There's always a last-minute rush to finish the project.

Variants and Related Words

• Last-minute (adjective): Used directly before a noun to describe something that happens or is done at the latest possible time.
  • A last-minute decision, a last-minute goal.

Synonyms

• The eleventh hour
• The final moment
• The nick of time

Related Idioms

• "Down to the wire": Until the last possible moment.
  • The negotiations went down to the wire.
• "In the nick of time": Just in time; at the last possible moment before it is too late.
  • The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.

Noun

1. the latest possible moment
   • money became available at the eleventh hour
   • at the last minute the government changed the rules