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 figuratively

It'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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But having said all that, and being mindful of how easy second-guessing can be — especially early in the game — a full review of what happened in the Palisades is a duty, not an option. —

Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 The character was developed before the rift between Lively and Baldoni, but sources tell THR that scenes involving Nicepool were shot late in the game following the November 2023 conclusion of the SAG-AFTRA strike. —

Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025 The Packers lost offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins to a stinger early in the game. —

Rob Reischel, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Philly's defense intercepted Love twice in the first half and forced a turnover on downs late in the game. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for early/late in the game

Cite this Entry

Style

“Early/late in the game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/early%2Flate%20in%20the%20game. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation