3 idioms - difference between them.

Some words about the difference between three similar idioms,

- in the nick of time,

- at the last minute

- at the eleventh hour.

1) 'In the nick of time' means ‘just before it was too late’.

For example, “I arrived at the airport in the nick of time, and ran to the departure gate, which was just about to close!" So, we understand that I nearly missed my plane because I was so late for it.

2) 'At the last minute' and 'at the eleventh hour' both mean 'at the latest possible opportunity for doing something'. They are often used when they are talking about spontaneous actions, or changed plans and decisions. 'At the eleventh hour' sounds much more dramatic than 'at the last minute'.

"The location of the party was changed at the last minute.”

"The football team's best striker was brought on to the field at the eleventh hour and scored a winning goal just before the end of the match.