Meet a Deadline: Origin and Meaning

To finish something by a specific time or date

This idiom appears to originate from prison camps during the American Civil War. A line was drawn around the prison boundary and any prisoners that crossed this line would be shot by the guards. This is why the line became known as a deadline.

“This job is really stressful. I have so many deadlines to meet!”

“That report was really tricky to write so I’m pleased to say that I met the deadline just in time!”

Kerry: “How is your coursework for university going? Have you got any deadlines to meet?”
Ben: “It’s going ok. I’ve got to submit an essay by the end of next week. I’m nearly finished!”
Kerry: “That’s great! So it looks like you’ll meet the deadline no problem.”