To him the phrase thus more accurately means "in those crucial days."

Eyes deprived of light in those first crucial days were now blind.

Several Government, union and company officials said Sunday was a crucial day for the negotiations.

Jones laid out the strategy for the crucial days ahead.

If he could sleep for a few hours, it would help during the crucial days ahead.

Above all, the Turks would have surprise and numbers on their side during the crucial first days.

In an effort to attract customers, stores often extend their hours during these crucial days of the retail season.

It appeared to have the upper hand through the crucial first day.

Unlike the child, Knoblauch does not know when or if his next crucial day will come.

Thus he lost two crucial days before finally adopting the solution, however obvious, of his predecessor.