the wire

noun

US
: a thin piece of string that the winner of a race breaks through at the end of the race
The marathon ended in a sprint to the wire by the two top runners.
often used figuratively
The election went/came (right) down to the wire.

Examples of the wire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This is going down to the wire, and an Adam Gray (D) win would cost the GOP another House seat. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 But while the game came right down to the wire, resulting in a 101-100 Milwaukee win, it was played against the backdrop of a compelling off-the-court storyline. Rahat Huq, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Since other than early games against the Jets and New England Patriots, most have been down to the wire so there hasn’t been much of a chance to get Bosa off his feet. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024 Recall how last week, the Utah team that CU just crushed took the Cougars down to the wire in a game the Utes should’ve won. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the wire 

Dictionary Entries Near the wire

Cite this Entry

“The wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20wire. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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