by a hair's breadth; in the nick of time; touch and go; close call; critical moment
turning things around with a home run; turning the tables with a single successful attack (move)
contest decided by a single round (bout); contest decided by a single roll of dice; one-shot game (contest); make-or-break game
one-liner; funny joke; gag; quick trick
one-hit wonder; flash in the pan; all-or-nothing gambler; one-shot speculator; slugger; home-run batter
short joke; quick one-liner; one-shot joke
success on the first try (attempt)
short joke; quick one-liner
first and final offer in labor-management negotiations