What does “At the Eleventh Hour” mean?
"At the Eleventh Hour" means completing or taking action on something at the last possible moment.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always finishes his work at the Eleventh Hour.
Example
They made a decision at the Eleventh Hour to cancel the event.
Example
The team managed to score a goal at the Eleventh Hour of the game
Is “At the Eleventh Hour” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“At the Eleventh Hour” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “At the Eleventh Hour” effectively in context?
You can use "At the Eleventh Hour" to describe doing something or making a decision at the very last moment, just before a deadline or an important event. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this idiom effectively:
- 1Work
He always finishes his work at the Eleventh Hour, leaving his colleagues anxious about meeting deadlines.
- 2Event Planning
They made a decision at the Eleventh Hour to cancel the event, causing disappointment among the attendees.
- 3Sports
The team managed to score a goal at the Eleventh Hour of the game, securing their victory.
Similar phrases to “At the Eleventh Hour”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “At the Eleventh Hour” come from?
The origin of the phrase "At the Eleventh Hour" can be traced back to biblical references. In the Bible, the eleventh hour refers to the last hour of a twelve-hour day, which symbolizes the final moments before a significant event or deadline. Over time, the phrase has come to represent doing something at the last possible moment.
Is “At the Eleventh Hour” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "At the Eleventh Hour" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where something is done or decided upon at the last possible moment.
What tone does “At the Eleventh Hour” have?
"At the Eleventh Hour" conveys a tone of urgency and suspense. It implies that something is happening or being done just in time, adding a sense of excitement or relief to the situation.
Can “At the Eleventh Hour” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "At the Eleventh Hour" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific timing or action. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He submitted his report at the Eleventh Hour.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I always do things "at the Eleventh Hour"!' to imply a habit of procrastination.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- last-minute
- just in time
- right before the buzzer
- final hour
- deadline-driven
Antonyms
- early
- ahead of time
- ahead of schedule
- in advance
