in the nick of time
Meaning
Just in time; at the last possible moment before something happens or it becomes too late.
Origin
Nick originally meant a small notch or precise point. By the 17th–18th centuries, “the nick” could mean the exact right moment; “in the nick of time” became “at the critical instant.”
Notes
Conveys relief and urgency: you made it at the last possible moment. Implies a near miss. Neutral and common in speech and writing; not typically used for casually early timing.
Examples
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The firefighters arrived in the nick of time to stop the flames from reaching the house.
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I finished the report in the nick of time and sent it just before the deadline.
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She grabbed her passport in the nick of time before rushing out the door.
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The train pulled in in the nick of time, so we didn’t miss our connection.
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He apologized in the nick of time, before the argument turned into something worse.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed prepositional phrase: usually “in the nick of time.” Used adverbially (e.g., arrived in the nick of time). “Nick” and “of” are fixed; rarely altered.
Synonyms
- just in time
- at the last minute
- at the eleventh hour
- by the skin of one's teeth
- at the last possible moment
Antonyms
- too late
- with time to spare
- ahead of time
- in plenty of time