The idiom “at the eleventh hour” is a common expression, but What Is The Meaning Of The Idiom At The Eleventh Hour, exactly? It refers to doing something or happening just before it’s too late; at the last possible moment. It suggests a sense of urgency and potential for failure had the action been delayed any further.
Unpacking the Essence of “At the Eleventh Hour”
At its core, “at the eleventh hour” signifies that an action is completed or an event occurs precariously close to a deadline. It doesn’t simply mean doing something late, but rather doing it when any further delay would result in a negative outcome. The idiom emphasizes the narrow escape from a potentially unfavorable situation. Imagine a student finishing an assignment mere minutes before the submission deadline, or a company securing a vital deal just before bankruptcy. These scenarios perfectly illustrate the concept.
The phrase often implies a mix of feelings: relief that the task was completed in time, and perhaps a degree of self-reproach for not having acted sooner. Consider these examples:
- A bill passed in Congress at the eleventh hour, averting a government shutdown.
- The rescue team found the lost hikers at the eleventh hour, just as a storm was approaching.
- He submitted his application at the eleventh hour.
Notice how each scenario involves a significant risk that was narrowly avoided.
The origin of this idiom stems from the Bible, specifically the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20 1-16). In the parable, a landowner hires laborers throughout the day, including some at the “eleventh hour” – the last hour before the workday ends (typically 6 PM, making the eleventh hour 5 PM). All workers receive the same wage, regardless of when they started. The eleventh-hour workers symbolize those who come to faith or take action late in life. While the parable focuses on divine grace, the expression has evolved to denote any last-minute action or event.
Want to understand more about the idiom “At The Eleventh Hour”? Check out reputable online dictionaries and etymology resources. They provide detailed explanations and examples of how this idiom is used in various contexts.