Usage Note
Zielgerade is the straight section of a race circuit leading to the finish line, but in everyday German it is widely used figuratively for the final stage of any project or journey: Wir sind auf der Zielgeraden (we're on the home straight).
Examples
"Nach stundenlanger Fahrt waren wir endlich auf der Zielgeraden."
Natural Translation
After hours of driving we were finally on the home straight.
Literal Translation
After hours-long driving we were finally on the final straight.

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