in the nick of time

in the nick of time is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression in the nick of time is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "in the nick of time"

Meaning

The idiom 'in the nick of time' means that something happened at the very last moment before it was too late. It typically refers to timing that was so precise that it seemed almost otherworldly.

Etymology

The phrase 'in the nick of time' dates back to the 1500s and was first recorded in literature in 1546. The etymology of the phrase is uncertain, but it is likely derived from 'the nick,' an old British term for the precise moment of time. The 'nick' could also refer to the notch or sharp mark that was made on a counting stick which was used to measure time.

Usage

The phrase 'in the nick of time' is typically used to describe a situation where an individual or situation avoids disaster by performing a task just in time. It is used to describe both actual and near-miss close calls. It can also mean that something arrives right when it is most needed or wanted.

Example Sentences

• I was able to finish my project in the nick of time before the deadline.
• He arrived in the nick of time and avoided being arrested.
• I finished my shopping in the nick of time for the holiday.
• We finished the house in the nick of time and got to move in before the snow came.

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.