last-gasp

noun

1. modifier done in desperation at the last minute

   a last-gasp attempt to save the talks

Idioms and Phrases

The moment before death; also, the end. For example, “Fight till the last gasp” (Shakespeare, 1 Henry VI , 1:2), or He was determined to stay at the party until the last gasp . This idiom alludes to taking one's last breath, literally (first example) or figuratively (second example). [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

Similarly, the heaps of praise now coming his way for revitalising the side following Andy Robertson's last-gasp winner in Warsaw is familiar too.

From BBC

But three of those defeats have come against the All Blacks - with two games in New Zealand - and there was a last-gasp loss to Australia before England came up short against the Springboks.

From BBC

England's review of their last-gasp defeat by Australia was "brutal" but exactly what the squad needed, says wing Ollie Sleightholme.

From BBC

Smith, 25, scored 17 points and set up England's only try before being replaced in the final quarter by 97-cap Ford, who missed a potential match-winning penalty and last-gasp drop-goal.

From BBC

Ford, brought on in the 62nd minute to see the game out, planted a long, but straight penalty shot against the post and then clipped a last-gasp drop-goal wide in a desparate, doomed pursuit of a comeback.

From BBC

Related Words

• do-or-die
• frantic