"Down to the Wire" Meaning

Learn the meaning of the idiom "Down to the Wire" and how to use it in negotiation contexts with our video.

The idiom "down to the wire" is often used in negotiations to describe a situation where an agreement is reached at the last possible moment. This phrase has its origins in horse racing, where a wire was stretched across the track at the finish line to determine the winner. Over time, this term has evolved to describe any scenario where decisions or outcomes are determined just before a deadline.

In a negotiating context, "down to the wire" indicates that discussions were intense and prolonged, with the final agreement being made just before the deadline. For instance, when negotiations are contentious and require extensive bargaining, the resolution might come down to the wire, meaning it happens at the last minute.

Understanding this idiom is crucial for anyone involved in negotiations or business discussions, as it highlights the importance of timing and the often tense nature of reaching agreements. Watch this video to learn more about the phrase "down to the wire" and how you can use it in your own conversations to convey the pressure of last-minute decisions.