expression
at the last moment; in the nick of time
Used when something happens just before a critical deadline or decisive moment, often with a sense of relief or urgency.
いよいよという時に電車が遅れて、危うく遅刻するところだった。
The train was delayed at the last moment, and I almost ended up being late.
彼はいよいよという時になって、やっと本気を出した。
He finally got serious at the very last moment.
ぎりぎり emphasizes being right at the limit (time, capacity, etc.), while いよいよという時 focuses on the critical moment itself, often implying a decisive event.
土壇場 is a noun meaning 'the last moment' or 'the eleventh hour', often used in set phrases like 土壇場で. いよいよという時 is a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the buildup to that moment.
Combination of the adverb いよいよ ('more and more; at last') + という (quoting particle) + 時 ('time'). Literally 'the time when (one says) it's finally here', referring to a long-awaited or decisive moment.