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UKthe eleventh hour
/ðɪ ɪlˈɛvənθ ˈaʊə/
/ðɪ ɪlˈɛvənθ ˈaɪʊɹ/the eleventh hour
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "the eleventh hour" and when to use it?
The idiom "the eleventh hour" has its origins in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. It is mentioned in the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard found in the Gospel of Matthew. In this parable, a landowner hires workers at different times throughout the day, with some starting early in the morning and others being hired as late as the eleventh hour (or the last hour of the workday). When the workers are paid, those who were hired last receive the same payment as those who worked the full day. It often comes up when referring to deadlines, critical decisions, or moments of crisis.
Examples
1. She has arrived like a knight in shining armor at the eleventh hour, and she should be congratulated for that.
2. We only received the signatures at the eleventh hour.
3. He wanted that tape for the window and he thought of it at the eleventh hour. -
4. Then, at the eleventh hour, A-Train steals Church files on Stormfront and leaks them to the Boys, getting her ousted and, by extension, impressing Church leadership and Vought with his initiative.
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