nail-biting finish
/ˈneɪl baɪtɪŋ ˈfɪnɪʃ/
Meaning
This expression describes an ending to a game, movie, or race that is extremely tense, dramatic, and uncertain until the very last second. It comes from the nervous habit of biting one's nails during moments of high anxiety. It is widely used in sports commentary, movie reviews, and casual conversations about competitive events.
Examples
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The championship game came down to a nail-biting finish in the final seconds of overtime.
The championship game came down to a nail-biting finish in the final seconds of overtime.
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It was a nail-biting finish, but our team managed to secure the victory by just one point.
It was a nail-biting finish, but our team managed to secure the victory by just one point.
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The movie's thriller plot builds up to a nail-biting finish on top of a speeding train.
The movie's thriller plot builds up to a nail-biting finish on top of a speeding train.
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Fans were treated to a nail-biting finish as the two runners crossed the line almost simultaneously.
Fans were treated to a nail-biting finish as the two runners crossed the line almost simultaneously.
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I couldn't look away during the nail-biting finish of the tournament.
I couldn't look away during the nail-biting finish of the tournament.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The match had a nail-bitten finish.
✓ The match had a nail-biting finish.
The adjective must be active ('nail-biting') because the situation causes you to bite your nails; it is not the finish itself that has been bitten.
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✗ We won the game with a nail-biting end.
✓ We won the game in a nail-biting finish.
While 'end' is understood, 'finish' is the highly idiomatic collocation used for sports and competitions.
Related Expressions
Practice
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No one knew who would win until the very last second of that ___.
💡 A very tense and close ending.
Show answer
nail-biting finish
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The Formula 1 race had a ___ that left everyone in the crowd screaming.
💡 Exciting, anxious final moments.
Show answer
nail-biting finish