Quick answer: “At the eleventh hour” means at the very last possible moment, just before a deadline passes or it becomes too late to act.
At the eleventh hour — At the very last possible moment, just before a deadline passes or it becomes too late to act.
Origin & History
The phrase is widely believed to come from the biblical parable of the labourers in the vineyard (Matthew 20), in which workers hired at the eleventh hour of a twelve-hour working day still received a full day's pay.
Over time the phrase moved beyond its religious context and became a general figurative expression for anything done at the very last possible moment, whether a decision, a rescue, or an agreement.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The deal was signed at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline expired. | Business negotiation |
| She always finishes her essays at the eleventh hour. | Studying, procrastination |
| At the eleventh hour, the government reached an agreement to avoid the strike. | Politics, negotiation |
| He booked his flight at the eleventh hour and paid a fortune for it. | Travel planning |
| The rescue team arrived at the eleventh hour, saving the climbers just in time. | Emergency rescue |
How to Use It
This idiom is generally used to describe the situation directly, often following a form of the verb "to be" or paired with a verb of change such as "go" or "get." It works well in both spoken and written English, and is most effective when it clearly refers to a real, specific situation rather than being used vaguely.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He arrived at eleventh hour.
He arrived at the eleventh hour. — the article 'the' is required.
They finished the project in the eleventh hour.
They finished the project at the eleventh hour. — the preposition is 'at', not 'in'.
She called me at the eleven hour.
She called me at the eleventh hour. — use the ordinal 'eleventh', not the cardinal 'eleven'.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
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Quick Check: At the eleventh hour
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “At the eleventh hour” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “The deal was signed _____, just before the deadline expired.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “At the eleventh hour” mean?
“At the eleventh hour” means At the very last possible moment, just before a deadline passes or it becomes too late to act.
Where does the idiom “At the eleventh hour” come from?
The phrase is widely believed to come from the biblical parable of the labourers in the vineyard (Matthew 20), in which workers hired at the eleventh hour of a twelve-hour working day still received a full day's pay.
Can you give an example of “At the eleventh hour” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “The deal was signed at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline expired.” — used in the context of business negotiation.
Is “At the eleventh hour” formal or informal?
This idiom is neutral. It is common in everyday speech, journalism, and semi-formal writing, though it is generally avoided in strict formal or academic writing.
What CEFR level is “At the eleventh hour”?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a common upper-intermediate expression that appears in conversation, journalism, and general writing, and learners at this level should understand and be able to use it actively.
What are common mistakes with “At the eleventh hour”?
A common mistake is: He arrived at eleventh hour. The correct form is: He arrived at the eleventh hour. (the article 'the' is required)
What idioms are similar to “At the eleventh hour”?
Similar idioms include: Down to the wire, Just in the nick of time, Under the gun, Against the clock. These share a related meaning or usage context.
How do I practise idioms like “At the eleventh hour”?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and everyday conversation.
Can “At the eleventh hour” be used in writing?
Yes. It works well in informal writing, emails, and journalism. In everyday and semi-formal writing it is a natural and clear choice.
Does “At the eleventh hour” have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, “At the eleventh hour” is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: At the very last possible moment, just before a deadline passes or it becomes too late to act. The idiom is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.