The interval of time immediately before a project is due, when it becomes apparent that the schedule has slipped and everyone is going to have to work like dogs to try to complete the project in time. Crunch time usually occurs during the period between the next-to-last scheduled milestone (prior to which everyone was able to delude themselves tht the schedule had NOT slipped) and the final deadline for delivery. During crunch time, workers are in crunch mode. Prevalent in the software industry, but used elsewhere as well.
"We've got three weeks left to complete six weeks worth of work. Looks like we'll be living on take-out for a while."
"I freakin' hate crunch time."
"I freakin' hate crunch time."
by Evac156 February 22, 2005
by hipster November 11, 2003
Crunch time at the cafeteria often comes at midday, when people are most stressed out and eager for a meal.
by The Return of Light Joker August 4, 2011
by GarbageCollector January 3, 2021
A time devoted to the action of taking A Crunch. Crunch Time can happen at anytime, in anyplace, to anyone. The length of a Crunch Time is affected my many things. Your age, your sex, barometric pressure, the earths pitch relative to the sun's axis, and what you ate last night for dinner all play a part on when Crunch Time will ensue.
Justin: Nick, you've been in there a while. You okay man?
Nick: I knew it was time...
Justin: Time for what?
Nick: Crunch time...
Justin: Seriously Nick, stop coming over to my house after you eat your Dad's home cooking.
Nick: I knew it was time...
Justin: Time for what?
Nick: Crunch time...
Justin: Seriously Nick, stop coming over to my house after you eat your Dad's home cooking.
by totallynotchris March 27, 2010
by Jonathan Torres. April 12, 2005
limited time to complete work; meeting a deadline in limited time; a small amount of time to finish tasks.
The boss called a meeting to come up with an answer to our companies problem with the time crunch we experience every day approaching the end our shifts.
by ShellyRed March 27, 2018