eleventh hour: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘eleventh hour’ mean?
The idiom "eleventh hour" refers to the last possible moment or the final opportunity to do something before it is too late. It implies a sense of urgency and that time is running out.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "hour of need" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It refers to a critical moment or a time of extreme difficulty when help or support is greatly needed. The phrase "hour of need" is a figurative expression that conveys the urgency and seriousness of a situation.
Last-Minute Marvels
The idiom *eleventh hour* is commonly used in the English language to describe a situation where something is done or happens at the last possible moment. It conveys a sense of urgency and limited time. While the exact origin of this idiom is uncertain, there are theories that explain its meaning.
One theory suggests that the phrase *eleventh hour* has biblical roots. In the New Testament, there is a parable in the Gospel of Matthew about laborers being hired to work in a vineyard. Throughout the day, the landowner hires workers, with the last group of laborers being hired at the eleventh hour, just before the end of the workday. This story illustrates God's grace and willingness to save sinners even at the last minute. It is possible that this biblical story influenced the idiomatic usage of *eleventh hour* as a metaphor for last-minute actions.
Another theory connects the idiom *eleventh hour* to the ancient practice of dividing the day into twelve parts. Each part, known as an "hour," would vary in length depending on the time of year. The eleventh hour in this system represented the last hour before sunset, when darkness was approaching. This division of time may have influenced the idiomatic usage of *eleventh hour* to convey a sense of impending darkness or urgency.
The usage and understanding of the idiom *eleventh hour* in modern English are well-established. It is commonly used in business, politics, and everyday life to describe situations where actions are taken or events occur at the last possible moment. The phrase carries a sense of urgency and often implies that time is running out, requiring quick action or decision-making.
Related Idioms:
The idiom *last minute* is closely related to *eleventh hour*. It is frequently used to describe something that is done or happens at the very end, just before it is too late. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and the limited availability of time. In many situations, decisions or actions made at the last minute can have significant consequences, whether positive or negative. Being able to act quickly and effectively in the *last minute* can be a valuable skill in various areas of life.
*At the last minute* is another idiom that is synonymous with *eleventh hour*. When something is done or happens *at the last minute*, it means that it occurs just before the deadline or the point when it would no longer be possible. This phrase implies a sense of urgency and the need for immediate action. In certain situations, events that occur *at the last minute* can change the outcome of a project, negotiation, or decision. Being able to adapt and make decisions quickly *at the last minute* can be a crucial skill in many fields.
The idiom *eleventh hour*, along with its related idioms *last minute* and *at the last minute*, are commonly used in the English language to convey a sense of urgency and limited time. These phrases describe situations where actions are taken or events occur just before it is too late. Whether it's in business, politics, or everyday life, being able to act quickly and make decisions *at the eleventh hour* or *at the last minute* can often be the difference between success and failure.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "eleventh hour" can be used in a sentence:
- He submitted his report at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline.
- The team managed to score a goal in the eleventh hour of the game, leading them to victory.
- She finished studying for the exam at the eleventh hour, staying up all night to ensure she was prepared.
More "Time" idioms
