homestretch

[ hohm-strech ]

/ ˈhoʊmˈstrɛtʃ /

the straight part of a racetrack from the last turn to the finish line. Compare backstretch.

the final phase of any endeavor: The political campaign is in the homestretch.

Origin of homestretch

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; home + stretch

The homestretch of the track had been blocked off with cattle fencing—the kind they use at rodeos that makes for easy climbing.

Chicago’s Running of the Bulls |Hampton Stevens |July 26, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Mitt is focused like a laser on the economy down the homestretch, while the Texas governor is all over the map.

Why Mitt Romney Is Winning, and Rick Perry Is Losing |Andrew Romano |January 3, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
Now, at last, the drive was on the homestretch with a few days to sparea narrow margin, but still a margin.

The Boss of Wind River |David Goodger (goodger@python.org)
He swings Typhoon wide into the homestretch, landing him in the best and dryest path.

History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921 |John Lawrence O'Connor

“Now for the canoe and the homestretch,” announced Amesbury, upon looking out upon the water and clear sky.

The Wilderness Castaways |Dillon Wallace
About the only time you showed any kind of form was on the homestretch.

Camping |Alexandra G. Lockwine
The track was slow, and deep in dust except on the homestretch.

History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921 |John Lawrence O'Connor