Windows of Opportunity

Also called the critical window, a window of opportunity is the short period of time within which some action can be taken that will achieve a desired outcome. Once this period is over, or the "window is closed," the chance to take the opportunity is no longer possible.

under the influence

informal

affected by alcoholic drink; drunk.

"he was charged with driving under the influence"

"Get out the vote"

"Get out the vote" or "getting out the vote" (GOTV) describes efforts aimed at increasing the voter turnout in elections. In countries that do not have or enforce compulsory voting, voter turnout can be low, sometimes even below a third of the eligible voter pool.

sit out

not take part in a particular event or activity.

"he had to sit out the first playoff game"

wait without moving or taking action until a particular unwelcome situation or process is over.

"most of the workers seem to be sitting the crisis out, waiting to see what will happen"

backup

North American

an overflow caused by a stoppage, as in water or automobile traffic.

"there are long backups on all routes"

shy of?

slightly less than, slightly earlier than, or a short distance from something.?

They scored just shy of 100 goals last year.

pare

If you pare something down or back, or if you pare it, you reduce it.?

The number of Ministries has been pared down by a third.