ELEVENTH HOUR Definition & Meaning

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eleventh hour

noun

the last possible moment for doing something:
to change plans at the eleventh hour.

eleventh hour

noun

1. the latest possible time; last minute
2. ( as modifier )
  an eleventh-hour decision

eleventh hour

The last minute: “The water bombers arrived at the eleventh hour — just in time to prevent the forest fire from engulfing the town.”

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of eleventh hour¹

First recorded in 1820–30

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Idioms and Phrases

The latest possible time, as in We turned in our report at the eleventh hour . This term is thought to allude to the parable of the laborers (Matthew 20:1–16), in which those workers hired at the eleventh hour of a twelve-hour working day were paid the same amount as those who began in the first hour. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Her eleventh hour telephone calls with Trump have twice helped stall the imposition of new tariffs.

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The surprising announcement came at the eleventh hour of his presidency and sparked celebration among the amendment's backers.

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Whereas years ago, partnerships might be switched at the eleventh hour, there is now an emphasis on matching dogs and owners early on.

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“This is a critical eleventh hour deal at the eleventh hour for the climate. It is not everything we or others wanted but it is a step forward for us all,” he said.

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Mr Scott said it now felt as though the industry was working together to solve the issue but described it as the "eleventh hour".

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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