at the last minute

Meaning

This phrase refers to doing something or making a decision at the latest possible time, often causing stress or disruption. It is used when plans are changed or completed right before they are supposed to happen. The tone can be neutral, but it often carries a slightly stressed or annoyed connotation.

Examples

• He canceled our dinner plans at the last minute, which was very frustrating.

  He canceled our dinner plans at the last minute, which was very frustrating.

• Don't leave your holiday shopping until the last minute.

  Don't leave your holiday shopping until the last minute.

• She managed to book a cheap flight to Paris at the last minute.

  She managed to book a cheap flight to Paris at the last minute.

• We had to change the venue of the wedding at the last minute due to rain.

  We had to change the venue of the wedding at the last minute due to rain.

• The teacher announced a pop quiz at the last minute.

  The teacher announced a pop quiz at the last minute.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He always does his homework in the last minute.

  ✓ He always does his homework at the last minute.

  The correct preposition to use with this idiom is 'at', not 'in'.

• ✗ They canceled the meeting on the last minute.

  ✓ They canceled the meeting at the last minute.

  Use 'at the last minute' rather than 'on the last minute' to describe doing something at the final moment.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I hate packing my bags ___; I always forget something.

  💡 Right before leaving.

  Show answer

  at the last minute

• The flight was delayed ___, leaving us stuck at the airport.

  💡 At the absolute final moment.

  Show answer

  at the last minute