1.
final push; last spurt; home stretch
The concentrated effort made in the closing stage of a task, a race, or a period of study, when the deadline or finish line is close.
The noun form of 追い込む (to drive into, to corner). In this use the sense is not "cornering someone" but rather driving a task toward the finish.
Common collocations
- 最後の追い込み: the final push
- 追い込みをかける: to put on a final push
- 追い込み時期: crunch period
- 追い込みに入る: to enter the home stretch
Usage
It is used most often of exam study, work deadlines, and the closing laps of a race. In racing it also names a running style in which a horse or runner holds back and overtakes at the end.
Related Words
Compare:
ラストスパート (final push)