Examples:

• I was sure I would win the race, but I was pipped to the post by my best friend.
• Our team was pipped to the post in the final seconds of the match.
• She worked hard for the promotion but was pipped to the post by a colleague.
• The runner was leading the entire race but was pipped to the post just before the finish line.
• We thought our restaurant would win the competition, but we were pipped to the post by a newcomer.
• He was pipped to the post for the scholarship by just one mark.
• The company was pipped to the post by its biggest competitor in the bidding process.
• I nearly won the chess tournament, but I was pipped to the post in the final round.
• Their team was pipped to the post after conceding a goal in the last minute.
• She was pipped to the post for first place by only two points.