in the nick of time
idiomC
Something happens just before it is too late
- 1We arrived in the nick of time to catch the bus.
- 2The firefighters saved the house in the nick of time.
Imagine you are running late for a bus, but you manage to catch it just before it leaves. That's what "in the nick of time" means - something happening at the last possible moment before it's too late.
Remember, "in the nick of time" is often used in exciting or dramatic situations. It's not just for everyday events. So, think of it as a phrase for those heart-pounding moments when everything comes together just in time.
at the bus station
Catching the Last Bus
Mark
I can't believe we made it to the bus station on time!
Elizabeth
Yeah, we got here in the nick of time. The bus is just about to leave.
Mark
I thought we were going to miss it for sure.
Elizabeth
Luckily, we didn't have to wait for the next one.
at the store
Last-Minute Purchase
Cynthia
Wow, I can't believe we made it before closing time!
Timothy
Yeah, we got here in the nick of time to buy the new headphones.
Cynthia
I was worried they'd be sold out by now.
Timothy
Luckily, they still had a few left on the shelf.
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Similar to "in the nick of time":
- 1just in time
- 2at the last moment