fall at the final hurdle

To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very end of the attempt. Negotiations between the two warring countries fell at the final hurdle due to disagreements over cross-border taxation. Ugh, how am I going to tell the boss that the merger fell at the final hurdle? This is very disappointing, Jones. We were counting on you to secure this account, and you fell at the final hurdle.

fall at the first hurdle

To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very beginning of the attempt. John had his business plan all laid out, but he fell at the first hurdle when the bank refused to grant him a loan. OK, so you fell at the first hurdle. Don't let these investors' lack of interest deter you from promoting your product! This is very disappointing, Jones. We were counting on you to secure this account, not fall at the first hurdle.

fall at the last hurdle

To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very end of the attempt. Negotiations between the two warring countries fell at the last hurdle due to disagreements over cross-border taxation. Ugh, how am I going to tell the boss that the merger fell at the last hurdle? This is very disappointing, Jones. We were counting on you to secure this account, and you fell at the last hurdle.

See also: fall, hurdle, last

See also:

References in periodicals archive

But maybe, just maybe, there are some other former hurdlers who understand.

Track & field

"There's a good few hurdlers around at the minute with Solwhit, Hurricane Fly and Go Native but they've a fair way to go to match the other lads.

Hughes is focused on Binocular

A hurdler has numerous motor and psychic qualities.

Study of motor quality considered essential for top class 100 m hurdler

Scott, a runner and hurdler with City of Edinburgh AC, said: "I had a great day.

Athletics: Young athletes go for gold; Sporting stars of tomorrow get Commonwealth boost thanks to ScottishPower

CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLER: Black Jack Ketchum (rated 161)' CHAMPION NOVICE CHASER: Foreman (163)' CHAMPION TWO-MILE HURDLER: Brave Inca (167)' CHAMPION TWO-MILE CHASER: Newmill (173)' CHAMPION TWO-AND-A-HALF MILE HURDLER: Mighty Man (165)' CHAMPION TWO-AND-A-HALF MILE CHASER: Hi Cloy (164)' CHAMPION THREE-MILE CHASER: War Of Attrition (173)' BRITISH CHAMPION CONDITIONAL JOCKEY: Keith Mercer' BRITISH CHAMPION JOCKEY: A P McCoy' BRITISH CHAMPION TRAINER: Paul Nicholls' BRITISH CHAMPION OWNER: J P McManus' HORSE OF THE YEAR: Brave Inca.

Horse Racing: Smurfit Kappa Champion

The seven skills and/or processes that go into the making of the successful hurdler may be broken down as follows.

Seven keys to hurdling excellence. (Track & Field)

His regular rider, Ruby Walsh, was the first to pay tribute to the dual-Champion Hurdler who won an unprecedented 22 Grade 1 races.

BYE-BYE FLY; Hurricane bows out

As a staying hurdler only Big Buck's was his superior and he ran Paul Nicholls' star to a length and three-quarters in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.

GRAND HORSE NOW RETIRED

NICKY Henderson is biding his time before unleashing top hurdler Simonsig over fences.

Simonsig held back for debut

Sprint hurdler Priestley has been suspended after analysis of his B sample indicated the presence of the asthma drug clenbuterol.

Priestley ban after drugs test; ATHLETICS

He is every inch a top class two-mile hurdler and should give Hurricane Fly plenty to do.

Hurri along! IRISH RACING: FOUR HOT HURDLE STARS CLASH IN GRADE 1

Despite Robles having an indoor best of 7.33secs the Cuban-born hurdler is yet to win in the UK.

Athletics: Dayron after Colin's crown; GRAND PRIX: Cuban hurdler promises something special

Baracouda, the best staying hurdler in the last decade but getting no younger at 11, looked in with a chance on the home turn but kept on at only one pace to finish fifth.

Racing: My way is firmly first

Having been responsible for the champion steeplechaser in every category, only Inglis Drever's position as top staying hurdler could prevent a clean sweep for Irish-trained horses.

Racing: Moscow Flyer tops at BHB ceremony