In the nick of time
phrase
Just in time, at the last possible moment.
He got to the platform just as the train was leaving. He'd made it in the nick of time.
Often appears as...
- arrive in the nick of time
- save in the nick of time
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Just in time, at the last possible moment.
He got to the platform just as the train was leaving. He'd made it in the nick of time.
Often appears as...
- arrive in the nick of time
- save in the nick of time
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Time Sensitivity
Describes a critical moment where any delay would result in failure or a missed opportunity.
She submitted her application just in the nick of time.
Pro Tip 2/3Urgency
It carries a sense of urgency and implies that the action was done hurriedly to avoid some kind of negative outcome.
I reached the gate in the nick of time before it closed.
Pro Tip 3/3Dramatic Effect
Often used to add drama or excitement to a story, highlighting a crucial moment.
The hero arrived in the nick of time to save the day.
Pro Tip 1/3Time Sensitivity
Describes a critical moment where any delay would result in failure or a missed opportunity.
She submitted her application just in the nick of time.
Pro Tip 2/3Urgency
It carries a sense of urgency and implies that the action was done hurriedly to avoid some kind of negative outcome.
I reached the gate in the nick of time before it closed.
Pro Tip 3/3Dramatic Effect
Often used to add drama or excitement to a story, highlighting a crucial moment.
The hero arrived in the nick of time to save the day.
Pro Tip 1/3Time Sensitivity
Describes a critical moment where any delay would result in failure or a missed opportunity.
She submitted her application just in the nick of time.
Pro Tip 2/3Urgency
It carries a sense of urgency and implies that the action was done hurriedly to avoid some kind of negative outcome.
I reached the gate in the nick of time before it closed.
Pro Tip 3/3Dramatic Effect
Often used to add drama or excitement to a story, highlighting a crucial moment.
The hero arrived in the nick of time to save the day.
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