English Explanatory Dictionary

fall at the last hurdle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To fail near the end of an activity, a project, etc.

Pronunciation

/ˈfɔːl æt ðə ˌlɑːst ˈhɜːdl̩/ /ˈfɔl æt ðə ˌlæst ˈhɝd(ə)l/ En-au-fall at the last hurdle.ogg

Word forms

fall at the last hurdle falls at the last hurdle falling at the last hurdle fell at the last hurdle fallen at the last hurdle

Etymology

Probably from hurdling, a type of horse racing where horses jump over obstacles called hurdles. The term refers to a horse successfully clearing all but the last hurdle.

Synonyms

fall at the final hurdle fall at the last

Antonyms

cross the line go all the way
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