Crunch Time

Crunch Time

Welcome to English in a Minute.

In American English, “crunch” has many meanings.

It’s a stomach exercise; the sound made when chewing hard foods; and a critical moment.

Crunch Time.

That does not look like the draft of our big report.

The one I sent you this morning for editing.

Oh this?

No. It’s not.

I just need to get my fun reading in for the day.

Fun reading?

There’s no time for fun!

It’s crunch time!

The final report is due tomorrow morning!

Jonathan, you don’t have to worry.

I’ll have the edits to you right after I finish my puzzle.

“Crunch time” is a period of intense pressure.

It’s a critical point where action is needed.

You might hear sports broadcasters using this phrase near the end of a game.

And that’s English in a Minute!