# fall at the last hurdle

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈfɔːl æt ðə ˌlɑːst ˈhɜːdl̩/

## Definitions
1. To fail near the end of an activity, a project, etc.

## Etymology
Probably from hurdling, a type of horse racing where horses jump over obstacles called hurdles. The term refers to a horse successfully clearing all but the last hurdle.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/fall-at-the-last-hurdle