What does just in the nick of time mean?

Definition of in the nick of time

: just before the last moment when something can be changed or something bad will happen He decided to go just in the nick of time. The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.

Why do we say in the nick of time?

The first term began life as in the nick and dates from the 1500s, when nick meant “the critical moment” (a meaning now obsolete). The second employs just in the sense of “precisely” or “closely,” a usage applied to time since the 1500s. Also see in time, def. 1.

Is in the nick of time a cliche?

nick of time, (just) in the

It probably was a cliché by the time Sir Walter Scott wrote (The Pirate, 1821), “The fortunate arrival of Gordaunt, in the very nick of time.”

How do you say just in the nick of time?

Is it Nick of time or nick of time?

The correct phrase is “in the nick of time”. “Knick” is not a word in English.

? In The Nick Of Time - Idioms - ESL British English Pronunciation

Who coined the phrase in the nick of time?

Ben Jonson makes a reference to that in the play Pans Anniversary, circa 1637: For to these, there is annexed a clock-keeper, a grave person, as Time himself, who is to see that they all keep time to a nick.

What does in the interest of time mean?

In-the-interest-of-time definition

In order to save time ; in order to use time more efficiently ; so that time can be used more efficiently.

What do u mean by cliche?

Definition of cliché

1 : a trite phrase or expression also : the idea expressed by it. 2 : a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation. 3 : something (such as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace.

What is the meaning of dead on time?

Etymology. A play on the term "dead on time" meaning exactly on time, but also meaning deceased.

What is around the clock mean?

Definition of around-the-clock

: being in effect, continuing, or lasting 24 hours a day : constant around-the-clock surveillance.

What does eleventh hour mean?

Definition of eleventh hour

: the latest possible time before it is too late still making changes at the eleventh hour.

What does the phrase through thick and thin mean?

Definition of through thick and thin

: through many difficult times over a long period She stood by me through thick and thin.

What does the idiom burn the midnight oil mean?

Burn the midnight oil is a phrase that means to stay up late at night to work, study, read, or perform some other activity, as in In order to finish this project on time we are going to have to burn the midnight oil tonight. Burn the midnight oil is especially likely to refer to studying or working.

What is a nick in British slang?

Definition of the nick

British slang. : a prison or police station She spent a night in the nick.

Why is it called the Nick?

The Oxford English Dictionary says that use is of Australian origin. The first published reference as “the nick” meaning a gaol or cells at a police station is from 1882 in The Sydney Slang Dictionary. It presumably expanded to mean the whole building.

What's a word for last minute?

late-breaking, last-ditch, up-to-the-minute, late.

What does dawn till dusk mean?

Definition of from dawn to/until dusk

: from early morning until early evening She drove from dawn to/until dusk.

What does bum rap mean?

Definition of bum rap

1 US : an unfair claim that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong The defendant was sent to jail on a bum rap. 2 chiefly US : a criticism or bad opinion that is not deserved or fair The teenagers say they've all gotten a bum rap because one person damaged some property.

What does banging on mean?

Definition of bang on about

British, informal. : to talk about (something) repeatedly or for a long time She's always banging on about the importance of a good diet.

What is an overused phrase called?

The very definition of cliché – a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays lack of original thought – means you should rarely, if ever, use them in your writing. And yet, they become clichés for a reason.

What does old times sake mean?

Definition of for old times' sake

: in order to experience again something one did in the past He and his old friends from college went back to the bar for old times' sake.

Is it correct to say in the interest of time?

in the interest of (something)

In order to accomplish, improve, or advance something. In the interest of time, let's skip the usual formalities and get right down to the purpose of today's meeting.

What does in a nutshell?

in a nutshell. : in a very brief statement.