homestretch

[ hohm-strech ]

noun

the straight part of a racetrack from the last turn to the finish line.: Compare backstretch.
the final phase of any endeavor: The political campaign is in the homestretch.

Origin of homestretch

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; home + stretch

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

The Terps are in the homestretch with four scheduled games remaining before the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis starting March 9.
Maryland women’s basketball continues to tighten its defense and blasts Illinois | Kareem Copeland | February 18, 2021 | Washington Post
The homestretch of the track had been blocked off with cattle fencing—the kind they use at rodeos that makes for easy climbing.
Chicago’s Running of the Bulls | Hampton Stevens | July 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Mitt is focused like a laser on the economy down the homestretch, while the Texas governor is all over the map.
Why Mitt Romney Is Winning, and Rick Perry Is Losing | Andrew Romano | January 3, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
And then the turning point was passed by all the racers and the struggle on the homestretch commenced.
The Rover Boys on the Farm | Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)
Now, at last, the drive was on the homestretch with a few days to sparea narrow margin, but still a margin.
The Boss of Wind River | David Goodger (goodger@python.org)

Suddenly—it was when the homestretch was about half covered—the black flag rushed past them.
The Prince of India, Volume II | Lew. Wallace
Having got his money safely down on Flitterfoot to win, Jeff was presently choking a post far up the homestretch.
Back Home | Irvin S. Cobb
Cornflower, lightly weighted, able to set a pace or hold one, did not show in front until the homestretch was reached.
Old Man Curry | Charles E. (Charles Emmett) Van Loan

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