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homestretch

homestretch

3 4.1
The final part of a project or activity before it ends
  • noun
  • /ˈhoʊmˌstrɛtʃ/
  • Informal
translation icon : fase final
  • As we enter the homestretch of the project, everyone is eager to see the final results.
  • entering the homestretch
  • head into the homestretch

Examples

  • Pro-choice groups raised nearly triple of what pro-life groups did nearly triple in the homestretch of the campaign.

  • But because we're in the homestretch, both campaigns have to start spinning those swing state polls in their candidate's favor and, if you're the Mitt Romney campaign, insist that your own internal polling shows you're winning.

    Blog text (11)
  • We're in the homestretch now.

  • Now that it's coming down to the homestretch of the election season, things are really starting to heat up.

    Blog text (10)
  • The homestretch for crossing the 2012 business year finish line is here.

    Blog text (22)
  • We're on the homestretch.

  • We're in the homestretch.

  • This is the homestretch.

  • Andy Reid's job status is tenuous at best in the homestretch of his 14th season as coach.

    Blog text (28)
  • With the bye week falling immediately at the halfway point of the regular season, these are five questions that the Patriots should be trying to find answers to before hitting the season's homestretch.

    Blog text (30)

How Close

finish
125 1.1
homestretch
  • Informal
3 4.1
midway
40 3.2
early
1.0
beginning
1.0

Surface Forms

homestretch singular
homestreches plural

Morphology

homestretch = home + stretch (semi-transparent) = home + stretch

This is a figurative extension of the racing term to mean the final phase of an activity; the components suggest the idea but the idiomatic usage may not be fully predictable for all learners.

Etymology

Homestretch is used for other activities by the same idea: think home as the 'finish' and stretch as the last straight part, so being in the homestretch means you are in the final stage before something is done.