cross the finish line

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To pass the marked line at the end of a race, completing it.

   Grammar: Used with a subject but no object: the runner crossed the finish line.

   Patterns

   • someone crosses the finish line
   • be the first to cross the finish line

   She was exhausted but smiling as she crossed the finish line.

   Only three runners crossed the finish line before the rain started.

   He crossed the finish line in second place, just two seconds behind.

2. 2phraseidiomfigurative

   To complete a long or difficult task or process successfully.

   Grammar: Figurative use; often followed by an expression like 'on time' or 'at last'.

   Patterns

   • cross the finish line on time
   • finally cross the finish line

   After months of talks, the two sides finally crossed the finish line with a deal.

   We need more funding if this project is ever going to cross the finish line.

   The team crossed the finish line just before the deadline.

Common combinations

the first to cross the finish line

She was the first to cross the finish line in her age group.

cross the finish line together

The friends held hands and crossed the finish line together.

cross the finish line in record time

He crossed the finish line in record time.

barely cross the finish line

The bill barely crossed the finish line in the final vote.

Synonyms and how they differ

finish

More general and can be used without 'the finish line': 'finish the race'.

complete

Focuses on the task being done rather than on reaching the end point of a race.

Opposites

Word family

finish line noun

The marked line at the end of a race.

finisher noun

A person who completes a race or task.

Commonly confused: cross the finish line or finish line?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “cross the finish line”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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