get down to the wire

To approach the last possible moment (to succeed, reach completion, be resolved, etc.). The negotiations got right down to the wire, but we were able to agree on the details of the contract by the deadline. It's getting down to the wire, now. Whoever scores the next goal will most likely win the game. You can make a decision before we get down to the wire, you know. You don't have to wait till the last minute on everything.