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
The idiom "last thing one needs" refers to something that is not wanted or desired, an additional burden or problem that comes at an inconvenient time or adds more stress to an already difficult situation.
The idiom "last thing" means the final action or event that occurs before a particular time or event. It emphasizes the timing or order in which something happens. It can also refer to the least important or least desirable action or event in a sequence.
The idiom "last resort" refers to the final option or action taken when all others have failed or been exhausted.
The idiom "last minute" refers to the final moments before a deadline or event. It suggests that something is done or happens with very little time or notice remaining, often causing rushed or stressful situations.
The idiom "last hurrah" refers to a final attempt or effort, often undertaken just before the end of a person's career or a particular situation. It signifies a final moment of glory or excitement before things come to an end.
The idiom "it's about time" is used to express that something should have happened sooner or that someone is overdue for a certain action or event.
The idiom "hurry up and wait" means to rush or be quick to do something, only to have to wait for a long time for the desired outcome or result. It reflects the frustrating and often futile nature of constantly being in a state of urgency followed by a period of inactivity.
The idiom "hour of need" refers to a critical moment or a time when one is in desperate need of help or support.
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
