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Up to the last minute vs Up to the minute

admin Confusing Phrases

up to the last minute—until the last possible moment; until the very end:

  • Despite feverish negotiations and efforts up to the last minute, the House and Senate failed to negotiate a compromise.

up to the minute—

1. (of things) most modern; the latest that can be offered:

  • Contact us if you want an up-to-the-minute report on bills moving through the Legislature.

2. (of people) thinking or behaving in the most modern way:

  • She is a very attractive young woman, vivacious, up to the minute, a thoroughly modern young woman.

Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase to the minute—

1. exactly on time:

  • The limousine arrived to the minute, and she climbed in gracefully despite her excitement.

2. (of the rate) every minute:

  • Her pulse rate was barely 12 beats a minute, breaths came three to the minute, and there was no measurable blood pressure.

3. up until the moment:

  • We went expecting a great time and were not disappointed, from the moment we arrived to the minute we left.