in the nick of time
idiom
informal
: just before the last moment when something can be changed or something bad will happen
He decided to go just in the nick of time.
The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.
Examples of in the nick of time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Just watching characters block falling slabs of concrete or hurtling cars, whisking New Yorkers out of the way to safety in the nick of time, is refreshing after so many movies with actors stuck in front of greenscreens battling annihilation beams from space.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2025
Thankfully, the power of social media saved Sandy in the nick of time.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Then: Joel rescued her, just in the nick of time, and offered her a horse ride with him and Dina — but to where?
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Unleashing the dogs, just in the nick of time, as reinforcements that turn the tide?
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the nick of time
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2025
Thankfully, the power of social media saved Sandy in the nick of time.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Then: Joel rescued her, just in the nick of time, and offered her a horse ride with him and Dina — but to where?
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Unleashing the dogs, just in the nick of time, as reinforcements that turn the tide?
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the nick of time
Cite this Entry
“In the nick of time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20nick%20of%20time. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share