Definitions

in the nick of time

PHRASE

at the last possible moment

Synonyms

STRONG

on the dot punctual sharp timely well-timed

WEAK

eleventh hour just in time under the wire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The country stored up 1.26 billion barrels of oil in the nick of time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

It built up those reserves just in the nick of time.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

She granted it one hour before he was set to appear at ICE offices, just in the nick of time.

From Slate • Dec. 12, 2025

Help may come in the nick of time, with the first rain in months expected this weekend in Los Angeles County.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

I was the last to arrive, but I’d made it in the nick of time!

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo