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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

It was all part of a liberation effort pulled off in the nick of time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2025

Again, Penelope stopped herself in the nick of time, for she could easily have added, “Imagine, trying to find my way to the zoo by following the smell of elephants!”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.