"Short of the end" is a phrase commonly used to describe a situation or an event that is close to completion or fulfillment but falls just shy of reaching the desired outcome or conclusion. It implies that there is only a slight remaining distance, effort, or time before achieving the ultimate goal, but there is still an insufficient amount to completely reach it.
This expression can be metaphorically understood as approaching the finish line but not quite crossing it. It signifies being in close proximity to the desired result, yet lacking that final push or factors that would lead to the conclusive achievement.
The phrase is often used in various contexts such as sports, projects, goals, or even simple everyday tasks. For instance, a team might fall "short of the end" by narrowly losing a game, indicating they were just a step away from victory. Similarly, one can fall "short of the end" when completing a project, meaning they were almost finished but did not entirely finalize the work.
In summary, "short of the end" refers to being tantalizingly close to achieving a desired outcome or completing a task, but ultimately falling just shy of doing so. It highlights the insufficient distance, effort, or time remaining before reaching the ultimate goal, emphasizing the need for an extra push or final action to accomplish the intended objective.
