early/late in the game
idiom
: at an early/late time in a game or sport
She scored a goal early in the game.
—often used figurativelyIt's too late in the game to change the date of the meeting.
She got into the computer industry early in the game.
Examples of early/late in the game in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The one sustained drive, late in the game, on which Daniels threw the ball downfield was their best.
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Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The Ravens’ bigger concern is on defense and Russell Wilson beating them deep, either on a key third down and/or a play late in the game, like Kenny Pickett did last season.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024
With Sengun struggling mightily, Green was the sole focal point of the Houston offense, repeatedly driving the ball into the teeth of the San Antonio defense late in the game.
—Rahat Huq, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Hurley again criticized the officials for a no-call late in the game.
—Tim Casey, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for early/late in the game 
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Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The Ravens’ bigger concern is on defense and Russell Wilson beating them deep, either on a key third down and/or a play late in the game, like Kenny Pickett did last season.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024
With Sengun struggling mightily, Green was the sole focal point of the Houston offense, repeatedly driving the ball into the teeth of the San Antonio defense late in the game.
—Rahat Huq, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Hurley again criticized the officials for a no-call late in the game.
—Tim Casey, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for early/late in the game
Dictionary Entries Near early/late in the game
Cite this Entry
“Early/late in the game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/early%2Flate%20in%20the%20game. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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