What does “Just in the nick of time” mean?
"Just in the nick of time" means arriving or happening just in time or at the last possible moment.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He arrived just in the nick of time to catch his flight.
Example
The firefighters arrived just in the nick of time to save the house from burning down.
Example
She finished her assignment just in the nick of time before the deadline
Is “Just in the nick of time” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Just in the nick of time” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Just in the nick of time” effectively in context?
You can use "Just in the nick of time" to describe a situation where something happens or someone arrives at the very last moment, just before it's too late. It emphasizes the idea of timing and narrowly avoiding a negative outcome. For example, if a friend is running late for a movie, but manages to arrive just as the lights dim and the movie starts, you could say, 'You made it just in the nick of time!'
- 1Travel
He arrived just in the nick of time to catch his flight.
- 2Emergency
The firefighters arrived just in the nick of time to save the house from burning down.
- 3Deadline
She finished her assignment just in the nick of time before the deadline.
Similar phrases to “Just in the nick of time”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Just in the nick of time” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Just in the nick of time" is unknown.
Is “Just in the nick of time” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Just in the nick of time" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where something happens or someone arrives at the last possible moment.
What tone does “Just in the nick of time” have?
"Just in the nick of time" conveys a tone of relief and excitement. It's often used to express gratitude or satisfaction when narrowly avoiding a negative outcome.
Can “Just in the nick of time” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Just in the nick of time" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific timing situation. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He arrived just in the nick of time to catch his flight.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Phew, just in the nick of time!' to express relief.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- at the last minute
- in the nick of time
- just in time
- at the final moment
- at the critical moment
Antonyms
- after the fact
- too little, too late
- too late
- missed the boat
- after the deadline
