cutting it close

USAGE SUMMARY

"cutting it close" is a correct phrase in written English.
It means to finish something, usually a task, just before the deadline. You can use it in any context that involves a deadline. For example, "I finished my project late last night, I was really cutting it close!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mr. Michals was cutting it close.

The New York Times

"That might be cutting it close".

The New Yorker

We're already cutting it close.

The New Yorker

"Although to me, that's cutting it close".

The New York Times

We're cutting it close right now.

The New York Times

"It's really cutting it close to the wire".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Is that cutting it too close?

The New York Times - Food

But that may be cutting it uncomfortably close.

The New York Times

Many travel disasters stem from just cutting it too close.

Harvard Business Review

She wanted to buy lunch before the long flight, and ended up cutting it too close.

The New York Times

When I was headed to my first board meeting, I was cutting it very close because of flight delays.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "cutting it close", consider adding context. Mentioning specific deadlines, amounts, or consequences enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cutting it close" when there is still ample time or resources available. This phrase indicates a near-critical situation; misusing it can diminish its intended impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cutting it close" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe a situation where someone or something is nearing a limit, often in terms of time or resources. It implies a lack of buffer or margin for error. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cutting it close" is a common idiomatic phrase used to express that something is being done with very little margin for error, typically related to time or resources. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While appropriate in most contexts, it’s most frequently found in News & Media, as well as in Formal & Business communications. When utilizing this phrase, consider the degree of urgency you wish to convey and tailor your language accordingly. Also, while widely understood, this phrase may not always be appropriate in formal writing, but in its place consider a less informal alternative such as "approaching the deadline".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the nick of time

Highlights that something was done just before it was too late.

at the eleventh hour

Similar to 'in the nick of time', emphasizing the lateness of the action.

with little time to spare

Indicates that an activity is completed just before the available time runs out.

barely making it

Highlights the narrowness of success in meeting a deadline or goal.

against the clock

Suggests a race to finish something before a deadline.

squeezing in just in time

Emphasizes managing to fit something into a schedule or deadline with no time to spare.

skating by

Suggests barely succeeding or meeting a requirement.

on a tight schedule

Focuses on the limited time available for completing a task or activity.

with no room for error

Focuses on the high stakes and the need to avoid any mistakes.

on a knife edge

Emphasizes the precariousness and uncertainty of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "cutting it close" in a sentence?

You can use "cutting it close" to describe a situation where you almost missed a deadline or barely made it on time. For example, "I was "cutting it close" with my assignment, but I managed to submit it just before the deadline."

What does "cutting it close" mean?

The phrase "cutting it close" means that you are doing something with very little time to spare or that you are taking a risk by leaving very little margin for error.

What are some alternatives to "cutting it close"?

Some alternatives to "cutting it close" include phrases like "barely making it", "in the nick of time", or "on a tight schedule".

Is "cutting it close" appropriate for formal writing?

While "cutting it close" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to describe the situation, such as "approaching the deadline" or "with limited time remaining".