last minute out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last minute out" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be an attempt to express something related to urgency or timing, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "We need to finalize the project details; we can't afford to have any last minute out issues."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I decided, at the last minute, out".

Vice

It seemed like a weird system that made it difficult to squeeze every last minute out of skiing time but perhaps the more experienced have ways around this.

The Guardian - Travel

I struggle not to hurry my time with my children; I endeavor to lose myself with them even as I squeeze every last minute out of the rest of the day.

The New York Times - Arts

Cone might have walked off the field that night with a perfectly scripted finish, except life is not a script and it is human nature to squeeze every last minute out of a career that feels too short no matter how long it goes.

The New York Times - Sports

The problem with this kind of conspiracymongering, which borders on self-parody at times (it is interesting to note that the book was pulled from publication in Britain at the last minute, out of fear of litigation), is that it threatens to obscure the very real problems in the United States-Saudi relationship.

The New York Times - Books

When training requires an early alarm call it is Jonny who is up first to pack bags and make the breakfast, Al the one squeezing every last minute out of his time in bed.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

At the same time, he was a genuine tortured genius who walked the floor all night and wrung songs from himself with main force and last-minute, out-of-nowhere inspiration.

The New Yorker

Bridesmaids dropping out at the last minute freak out my brides.

Huffington Post

The company witnessed "certain fundamental changes in consumer behavior," he added, as vacationers booked at the last minute, sought out promotional offers and stuck close to home.

The New York Times

In 1989, when the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington at the last minute backed out of showing "The Perfect Moment," Robert Mapplethorpe's controversial exhibition of photographs, many of them homoerotic or violent, Mr. Reynolds stepped in and arranged space for the show.

The New York Times - Arts

Then I found out: at the last minute EAM found out that Churchill was in the building, and put out an order to call off the attack.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes or decisions made close to a deadline, use clearer and more grammatically accepted phrases such as "last-minute change" or "eleventh-hour decision".

Common error

Do not use the phrase "last minute out" in formal writing. Its meaning is unclear and can confuse readers. Opt for phrases like "last-minute cancellation" or "eleventh-hour withdrawal" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last minute out" functions as an attempt to describe an action, change or decision occurring very close to a deadline. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase isn't grammatically correct. The intended meaning is often related to something being withdrawn or changed at the last moment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "last minute out" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect. It's used to describe actions or decisions made very close to a deadline, often implying a change or withdrawal. The phrase is most common in News & Media contexts, with neutral formality. For clarity and correctness, it's advisable to use alternative phrases such as "last-minute change" or "eleventh-hour decision" in formal and professional writing. Therefore, avoid using "last minute out" in settings that require precise and standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last-minute change

Focuses specifically on alterations made shortly before a deadline.

eleventh-hour decision

Emphasizes the lateness of the decision, implying urgency.

final moment adjustment

Highlights the act of tweaking or modifying something at the very end.

just in the nick of time

Suggests something happening barely within the acceptable time limit.

at the last second

Refers to something occurring in the very last instant.

close to the deadline

Indicates proximity to a specific cutoff point.

with little time to spare

Suggests a lack of extra time or buffer.

at the tail end

Refers to the concluding part of a process or event.

end-stage revision

Focuses on modifications during the concluding phase.

late stage development

Emphasizes how far a project has progressed when changes occur.

FAQs

What does "last minute out" mean?

The phrase "last minute out" is grammatically questionable and lacks a precise definition in common English. It could suggest a decision made or action taken very shortly before a deadline, but it's best to use clearer alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "last minute out"?

Consider using phrases like "last-minute change", "eleventh-hour decision", or "sudden withdrawal" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is it correct to say "last minute out" in formal writing?

No, it's not recommended. "Last minute out" is not a standard or clearly defined phrase. Using alternatives like "late cancellation" or "last-second change" improves clarity and professionalism.

How can I use alternatives to "last minute out" in a sentence?

Instead of "The deal fell through last minute out", you could say, "The deal faced a "last-minute cancellation"" or "The agreement was changed at the "eleventh hour"".