Desperate model quietly squashing gossip (4-4)
I believe the answer is:
last-gasp
'desperate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for last-gasp that I've seen before include "Remnant of energy or final exhalation" , "Done in desperation (or at the point of death?)" , "Done at the latest possible moment" , "Final breath or done at the last possible moment of effort" , "Done in desperation at the final moment" .)