crunch time
Meaning: The decisive moment, when there is no more time left.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “With two days to the deadline, it's crunch time.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: "The crunch" for a critical moment is recorded from the mid-20th century, attributed in part to Winston Churchill's wartime use. "Crunch time" followed in American sport and business.
Equivalents in other languages
- German: Jetzt geht's um die Wurst — literally: Now it's about the sausage
More idioms — Daily Life
- get things back on track — To bring a situation back under control after it has gone wrong.
- be in for a rude awakening — To be about to discover an unpleasant truth.
- carry coals to Newcastle — To do something completely unnecessary.
- hunky-dory — Perfectly fine.
- the morning after the night before — A hangover, and the regret that comes with it.
- behind the scenes — Out of public view, where the real work or decisions happen.
More English idioms
- blow me down — An exclamation of complete surprise.
- be over the moon — Absolutely delighted.
- rub salt in the wound — To make someone's pain or humiliation worse.
- tread on someone's toes — To offend someone, especially by interfering in what they see as their business.
- get under someone's feet — To be in the way while someone is trying to work.
- kick up a fuss — To complain loudly and cause a commotion.
From our compliments & insults
- Du bist nicht die hellste Kerze auf der Torte — You're a little dim — not the smartest in the room.
- Tu as une cervelle de moineau — You're scatterbrained and forgetful.
- Без царя в голове (Bez tsarya v golove) — Foolish and reckless — with no one in charge upstairs.