at the eleventh hour
Meaning
At the last possible moment, just before it’s too late.
Origin
From the biblical Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20), where laborers hired at the “eleventh hour” (near day’s end) still receive payment—leading to the sense of the very last moment.
Notes
Conveys urgency and near-missed timing; can imply poor planning. Common in writing and news, but also used in speech.
Examples
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We finished the report at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline.
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The deal was saved at the eleventh hour when both sides finally compromised.
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She decided to apply at the eleventh hour after realizing the opportunity was too good to miss.
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A backup generator arrived at the eleventh hour and kept the event from being canceled.
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They changed the travel plans at the eleventh hour because of the storm warning.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used as an adverbial prepositional phrase: “at the eleventh hour” or “an eleventh-hour decision/offer.” Hyphenate as an adjective (“eleventh-hour”). Fixed wording; rarely changed.
Synonyms
- at the last minute
- at the last moment
- in the nick of time
Antonyms
- in advance
- ahead of time
- with time to spare