If you completed a task at the last acceptable moment, then you completed it in the nick of time.
We use this expression to say that a task or activity was accomplished right before its deadline. If you complete something in the nick of time, it usually means that you finished it at the last possible moment and, as a result, you were able to escape negative consequences. This expression is used to emphasize how lucky or grateful we feel for accomplishing a task on such tight timing. Thus, it is often used to express relief.
This is a common expression and can be used in casual settings at work and in your personal life. For example:
- I made it to the airport in the nick of time! If I had arrived 5 minutes later, I would have missed my flight.
- Thankfully, the ambulance arrived at the accident in the nick of time. They were able to treat the patients' injuries right away before they got worse.
A. How was the client meeting yesterday?
B. Well, I was pretty stressed at first because I got stuck in traffic on the way there, but luckily I made it just in the nick of time and the meeting went well.
Did you know? You can also use the expression "right on time" to mean the same thing as "in the nick of time." For example, "Thankfully, I arrived at the church right on time for the wedding ceremony."