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What does “in the nick of time” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
At the very last possible moment
“We arrived in the nick of time.”
Say it smoothly: “in-the-ni-cof-time”
From the B2 lesson Playing It by Ear (time and timing).
C1
At the very last possible moment, just before it's too late
“We arrived in the nick of time, seconds before the doors closed.”
Say it smoothly: “in-the-ni-cof-time”
From the C1 lesson Playing It by Ear (time and timing).
Quick check
What does “in the nick of time” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“in the nick of time” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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