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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51�Թ� 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.

“It’s so much better to get people out during an event for safety reasons, than to — at the eleventh hour — try to get people out,” Suen said in an interview with The Times.

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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.

From

eleventh chord elevon

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