across the finish line

1. Literally, over the line that serves to mark the end of a race. Despite his injury during the final lap, the runner still managed to limp across the finish line. As soon as Sarah went across the finish line, she collapsed into her boyfriend's arms. I can't believe those two participants came across the finish line at the exact same time!

2. By extension, to a state of completion or fulfillment, as at the end of some process, development, endeavor, etc. We've been working 80-hour weeks to get this project across the finish line before December. With our department head leaving all of a sudden, we're going to have a much harder time pushing our budget requests across the finish line. Our deadline is in less than a week, so we've all got to work quickly if we're going to get this project across the finish line.