English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
The eleventh hour
Meaning
The idiom "the eleventh hour" refers to the last possible moment before something happens or a deadline is met. It's used to describe an action that is taken at the very end, often when it seems impossible or too late to do anything about it. The figurative meaning is a dramatic and intense situation where everything is happening at once and there is no time left for any last-minute changes or adjustments.
Usage
- We managed to complete the project just in time, thanks to our team's hard work and dedication.
- The plane was about to take off when my friend remembered she had forgotten her passport at home.
- The student had been studying all night for the exam but still pulled an all-nighter during the final hour before the test.
- We arrived at the concert just as the last band started playing, missing most of their set.
- The wedding was about to start when the groom's mom arrived late and caused a commotion.
Roots and History
The idiom "the eleventh hour" originated in medieval times when Christians observed nine hours of prayer during Lent. After nine hours, they would light candles and say prayers, marking the beginning of the "eleventh hour." Over time, this phrase came to refer to any last-minute action or decision taken just before a deadline or crisis point.
Synonyms in English
- The wire (referring to wires being cut off if payment is not received)
- The last minute (refers to something happening at the very end of time)
- Under the wire (refers to something happening just in time)
- Cutting it fine (refers to doing something at the last minute)
- Going to the mat (refers to doing everything possible to avoid failure)
Synonyms in other languages
- 夕煙逃避 (Chinese) - literally means "evading evening smoke," which refers to sneaking out of an event or activity just before it ends.
- זיון (Hebrew) - means "dusk" and can be used metaphorically to describe a last-minute situation.
- שנה עקדת (Hebrew) - literally means "end of the year" and can be used metaphorically to describe a time when things are coming to a close.
- יזכרון חיים (Hebrew) - literally means "remembered lives" and can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where people are being remembered or honored late.
- השנה עליך (Hebrew) - literally means "the year is upon you" and can be used metaphorically to describe a time when things are happening quickly and intensely.