Definitions
Last minute
To describe something that is done or happens at the very last moment, often with a sense of urgency or pressure, and often with a negative connotation.Almost too late
To convey the idea that something was almost not accomplished or achieved due to being left until the very last moment.Urgency
To express the idea of something being urgent or critical, often implying that there is little time left to act.
Examples of At the eleventh hour
The student stayed up all night cramming for the exam at the eleventh hour, hoping to pass.
This idiom refers to the last possible moment before something happens. In this case, the student waited until the very last minute to study for the exam, hoping that it would be enough to pass.
The team pulled off a surprising victory at the eleventh hour, scoring the winning goal in the final seconds of the game.
This idiom can also be used to describe a sudden and unexpected turn of events that occurs at the last possible moment. In this case, the team scored the winning goal at the very end of the game, surprising their opponents and securing the victory.
The company announced a major investment at the eleventh hour, saving the struggling business from bankruptcy.
This idiom can also be used to describe a sudden and unexpected solution to a problem that occurs at the last possible moment. In this case, the company announced a major investment at the very last minute, saving the struggling business from bankruptcy.
The politician made a last-minute campaign stop at the eleventh hour, hoping to sway undecided voters.
This idiom can also be used to describe a sudden and unexpected action that occurs at the last possible moment. In this case, the politician made a last-minute campaign stop, hoping to sway undecided voters before the election.
The author finished writing the book at the eleventh hour, meeting the publisher's deadline.
This idiom can also be used to describe a sudden and unexpected completion of a task that occurs at the last possible moment. In this case, the author finished writing the book at the very last minute, meeting the publisher's deadline.
Conclusion
The idiom "at the eleventh hour" is commonly used to describe something that happens or is done at the last minute. It can also convey a sense of urgency and the idea of something being almost too late. The phrase often has a negative connotation, indicating that the action was delayed or not given enough attention until the very end.This idiom can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing a last-minute decision or action to conveying the idea of a narrow escape or close call. It can also be used to express frustration or disappointment in someone who consistently waits until the last minute to do something.
Origin of "At the eleventh hour"
The origin of the idiom "at the eleventh hour" can be traced back to the Bible. In the New Testament, the parable of the laborers in the vineyard tells the story of workers who were hired at different times throughout the day, with the last group being hired at the "eleventh hour." This phrase was later used in religious texts to refer to the end of the day when God's judgment would come.
Over time, the phrase became more secular and was used in a non-religious context to refer to the last hour of the day. It has since evolved to refer to any last-minute action or decision, with the number eleven often symbolizing the last possible moment. This may also be related to the fact that the eleventh hour is the last hour before midnight, marking the end of a day.
So, when someone says "at the eleventh hour," they are referring to the last possible moment, often with a sense of urgency or pressure. This idiom has stood the test of time and continues to be used in modern English, showcasing the power and longevity of idiomatic expressions.