eleventh-hour
|e-lev-enth-hour|
B2
🇺🇸
/ɪˈlɛvənθ ˈaʊər/
🇬🇧
/ɪˈlɛvənθ ˈaʊə/
last-minute action
Etymology
Etymology Information
'eleventh-hour' originates from the biblical parable of the workers in the vineyard, where workers hired at the eleventh hour received the same wage as those who worked all day.
Historical Evolution
'Eleventh-hour' was used in the 19th century to describe last-minute actions or decisions.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the literal eleventh hour of the day, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'last possible moment'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
happening at the last possible moment or opportunity.
They made an eleventh-hour decision to cancel the event.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42