Did you make it to class right before the starting bell? Perhaps you clocked in with only seconds left before you would be considered late? Maybe you happened to buy the very last jelly-glazed donut in the shop. If so, then the phrase in the nick of time is perfect for your situation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The meaning of nick of time, or “in the nick of time” is the last instant. Someone can do or say something right before it is too late, hence, the nick of time. At the last moment is another common meaning of the phrase nick of time. Earlier forms of the phrase referred to a critical moment, or close as possible. It can also be said to be the precise moment of an event or the pinnacle of an occurrence.
Only just in time is another meaning, as well as at the precise moment of occurrence. The nick of time is used to refer to both positive and negative events. For example, someone arriving to catch their train to work in the nick of time. Or, missing a flight bound for disaster in the nick of time. In all references, it simply means arriving or doing something at the very last moment, thereby averting an alternative outcome.
Example Usage
“I think that I will make it to the program in the nick of time, there is just so much traffic but I know a shortcut”.
“The doctor was able to remove her appendix in the nick of time”.
“My parents arrived in the nick of time to watch me walk across the stage for my graduation”.
“Her cancer was diagnosed in the nick of time, even a day later would have resulted in a negative outcome”.
Origin
The term in the nick of time comes from an older phrase, “the critical moment”. This phrase came about in 1577. In a chronicle, someone was described as having arrived at the very pinch, which was then called “nicke”. About a century later, the word was modernized to nick. Once the word was modernized, the phrase “in the nick of time” become commonplace. One of the earliest writings that contained the phrase in the nick of time was by Sir Walter Scott in 1821. He penned the phrase in his book, the Pirate, which was released that same year.
Phrases Similar to Nick of Time
- On the dot
- Timely
- Well-timed
- Sharp
- Eleventh hour
- Under the wire
- Just in time
Phrases Opposite to Nick of Time
- Too little, too late
- Just missed it
- Missed the mark
- Expired
- A tad late
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is – in the nick of time.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Nick of Time
Some ways that in the nick of time is used incorrectly are:
- I missed her in the nick of time, I am really upset about it.
- The boss just left, you came by in the nick of time, sorry about that.
- The bus left 4 minutes back, you got here in the nick of time and just missed it.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Nick of Time
Some ways that in the nick of time used correctly are:
- He was about to be deported, but he recalled where he left his passport in the nick of time.
- Jenny raised the alarm in the nick of time, or else we would have lost all of the diamonds in the store.
- The doctor was able to perform an emergency C-section in the nick of time, saving both mother and infant.
- The train was bearing down on the stalled car, thankfully they were able to get the engine to turn over in the nick of time.