[cut] (it|things) close
1
to manage to do something just before the time is over
The origin of the idiom "cut it loose" is difficult to trace, as it has likely emerged through common usage over time. It is often used in various contexts to describe situations where timing is crucial and success is accomplished by a narrow margin.
- He is cutting it close with his presentation; he only has five minutes left to finish.
- They cut it close with their flight; they arrived at the airport just minutes before the departure.
- I will be cutting things close with the deadline; I expect to submit the report right before it's due.
- Why are you cutting things so close?The event starts in ten minutes!
- She has cut it close multiple times, but somehow always manages to meet the deadline.