last-gasp
C1Informal, journalistic, sports commentary.
Definition
Meaning
occurring at the very last possible moment, especially in a competition or race; a final, desperate effort.
Pertaining to the final instant before an outcome is determined or a situation concludes; often implies dramatic tension and a final, all-or-nothing effort.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound adjective derived from the idiom "gasp for breath," implying a final, desperate effort made when one is nearly exhausted. It is nearly always used attributively (before a noun).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency. Spelling is consistent as a hyphenated compound.
Connotations
Strongly associated with sports journalism in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[last-gasp] + [noun]a [last-gasp] [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At the last gasp (less common variant).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, but possible in metaphorical use: 'The company secured a last-gasp deal to avoid bankruptcy.'
Academic
Very rare; would be considered informal.
Everyday
Common in discussions of sports or dramatic news events.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The striker's last-gasp volley sent the home fans into raptures.
- It was a last-gasp amendment that changed the entire bill.
American English
- The quarterback's last-gasp touchdown pass won the game.
- A last-gasp fundraising effort saved the community center.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The team scored a last-gasp equaliser in the 94th minute.
- He made a last-gasp attempt to finish the project on time.
- Her last-gasp intervention during the negotiations averted a complete breakdown.
- The novel's plot hinges on a last-gasp discovery by the protagonist in the final chapter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a runner gasping for air as they cross the finish line to win—the ultimate LAST-GASP effort.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LIMITED RESOURCE / COMPETITION IS A RACE / FINALITY IS THE LAST BREATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "последний хрип". Use a conceptual equivalent like "в последний момент", "на последнем издыхании" (fig.), or "решающий в концовке" for sports.
Common Mistakes
- Using it predictively (*'The goal was very last-gasp'). It is almost exclusively attributive ('a last-gasp goal').
- Confusing it with 'last gasp' (noun phrase) as in 'breathed his last gasp'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'last-gasp' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. The noun phrase is usually 'last gasp' (e.g., 'at the last gasp'), while 'last-gasp' is overwhelmingly a hyphenated compound adjective.
It is informal and highly characteristic of journalistic or commentary language, especially in sports.
'Last-gasp' implies a more dramatic, desperate, and often successful final effort, usually in a competitive context. 'Last-minute' is more neutral, referring simply to something done just before a deadline.
Not directly. It describes actions, efforts, or outcomes (e.g., a last-gasp *attempt* by a person). You wouldn't typically say 'He is a last-gasp player.'
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