crunch time

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

the final, high-pressure period before a deadline

Why this phrase?

From sports: the decisive moments at the end of a close game.

Example

“It's crunch time for the launch — expect late nights.”

Dictionary details

Component words

crunch time

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

race against time Neutral · CEFR B2

a desperate hurry to finish before a deadline

in the nick of time Neutral · CEFR B1

at the latest moment when success is still possible

play for time Neutral · CEFR B2

to delay deliberately in order to prepare or avoid an immediate outcome

stand the test of time Neutral · CEFR B2

to remain effective, admired, or valuable over a long period

pull an all-nighter Informal · CEFR B2

to stay up and work through the entire night

back against the wall Informal · CEFR B1

in a desperate situation with few options left

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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