Under the wire Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Time-Sensitive Used when tasks are completed just before a deadline, emphasizing urgency and relief. I made it under the wire for the contest entry. Pro Tip 2/3Last Minute Relief Conveys a sense of narrowly avoiding negative consequences by acting just in time. We got our funding under the wire, avoiding shutdown. Pro Tip 3/3High Pressure Often implies a high-pressure situation that requires rapid action to succeed. The team finished the project under the wire after working overnight.