drop-dead date

drop-dead date

The definitive date by which something needs to be completed; the deadline. I just found out that tomorrow is the drop-dead date for this project, so we really need to finish things up. I haven't found the right candidate for the job yet, and the boss's drop-dead date is rapidly approaching.
See also: date
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • to date
  • name the day
  • double date
  • heavy date
  • out of date
  • best before date
  • Can I see you again?
  • Could I see you again?
  • May I see you again?
  • date rape
References in periodicals archive
Today's "drop-dead date" on the project, when the tram cars are due to be ordered from manufacturer Bombardier, will pass without agreement.
Competent Robinson said: 'It was made absolutely clear to the people at the meeting before the vote of June 1 that Inverness' application was competent and there wasn't a drop-dead date of March 31 for stadium sharing.
No fooling -- April 1 is already looming as the drop-dead date to complete production on films next year and avoid a collision with possible strikes.
GRIFFIN: Our drop-dead date is to replace and order by September; otherwise, we'll be out of the cycle.
Nasdaq may in its sole discretion further extend or re-open the acceptance period for the Offer prior to the Drop-dead Date, subject to Nasdaq AB's obligation to re-open the acceptance period for the Offer, or by other adequate means permit shareholders of Oslo Bors VPS to accept the Offer, if the minimum acceptance condition has not been satisfied or waived prior to the expiry of the acceptance period, and the Euronext Offer is withdrawn after the expiry of the acceptance period but prior to the Drop-dead Date.
"We'll all work better if we have a timeline, but on the other hand, there isn't an absolute drop-dead date."
In 1990 the drop-dead date was projected to be 2003.
"It's not like the state gives you a check and says, `Now go off and close on the land.' The drop-dead date on the closing is June 1," he said.
And there is a drop-dead date, and that is July 1, 2004.
"We haven't set a drop-dead date on when that will occur."
Call for a new code." He also noted that some other builders already have similar customer communications when they program three-month drop-dead dates into the controls on machines they sell to customers with bad credit ratings.
'For instance, if time is a factor, it's important to establish drop-dead dates for the project,' says Sisko.