à la dernière minute

Ne change pas les plans à la dernière minute.
Do not change the plans at the last minute.
Il a annulé à la dernière minute.
He canceled at the last minute.
Nous avons trouvé un hôtel à la dernière minute.
We found a hotel at the last minute.
Elle a rendu son devoir à la dernière minute.
She handed in her assignment at the last minute.
Le train a changé de quai à la dernière minute.
The train changed platforms at the last minute.

Similar words

au dernier moment

in extremis

Il a annulé à la dernière minute.
He canceled at the last minute.
Elle a rendu son devoir à la dernière minute.
She handed in her assignment at the last minute.
Nous avons trouvé un hôtel à la dernière minute.
We found a hotel at the last minute.
Ne change pas les plans à la dernière minute.
Do not change the plans at the last minute.
Le train a changé de quai à la dernière minute.
The train changed platforms at the last minute.

au dernier moment

in extremis

Literally “at the last minute”, formed from à, la, dernière and minute.

What does à la dernière minute mean?

It means very shortly before a deadline or event.

Does it refer to an exact minute?

No. Minute is figurative here.

Can it describe a late cancellation?

Yes. It often describes a change or cancellation just before an event.

Is there a close French alternative?

Au dernier moment is close.

How does it differ from à l’avance?

À l’avance means beforehand; this expression means almost too late.

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