last minute

Definition

An arbitrary (non-specific) point in time, too close to a deadline to reasonably begin a critical task.

Example Sentences

• "I like to do everything at the last minute. It does tend to make me late for things, though."
• "“Clown Without Pity,” as the segment is called, opens with Homer forgetting Bart’s birthday and jetting off at the last minute (or rather considerably after the last minute) to pick him up a present. Alas, Homer has the questionable judgment to go gift-shopping at House Of Evil, an establishment that bills itself as “Your one stop evil shop.” That should be a bit of a warning, as is the establishment’s name."