Down to the wire
/daʊn tə ðə ˈwaɪə/informalUK · US
What does “Down to the wire” mean?
Down to the wire means continuing until the final moment before a result or deadline
If either team could still win in the final minute, the match is going down to the wire. A decision can do the same if nobody agrees until the deadline.
It does not necessarily mean something is late. The work may still finish on time, with very little time to spare.
When do people say it?
Use it for a close contest, late decision or task that is not settled until near the end. The phrase often creates a sense of tension.
“The vote went down to the wire; the result stayed uncertain until the end.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The wire is an image of a race’s finishing line. Reaching it before the outcome is clear suggests a very close finish.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Down to the wire” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-11-04