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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

A construction vehicle toppling, with its driver escaping a life-changing accident by jumping out just in the nick of time as Disney himself talks up how there have been very few accidents.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 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

My cup arrived in the nick of time.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

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