"At the eleventh hour" is an English idiom meaning to do something at the last minute. The word "eleventh" is pronounced as /ɪˈlɛvənθ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word follows the pattern of ordinal numbers in English, adding the suffix "-th" to the cardinal number "eleven". This idiom originates from the biblical story of workers being hired at different hours of the day, with those hired at the eleventh hour receiving the same payment as those hired earlier.
At the eleventh hour is an idiomatic expression referring to a situation that occurs at the last possible moment or very close to a deadline. It originates from the biblical story of the workers hired at various times during the day, where those who were hired at the eleventh hour received the same wage as those who worked the entire day. The term gained popularity and became a metaphorical expression, used to describe tasks, actions, or events that take place with little time remaining.
This phrase is often utilized to emphasize the urgency, pressure, or sense of jeopardy associated with completing a task or making a decision just before time runs out. It implies that the situation has reached a critical stage, where any further delay could lead to unfavorable consequences. It can also denote some level of surprise, as it is unexpected for something to occur so late.
"At the eleventh hour" can be used in various contexts, including business, politics, sports, or personal affairs. Whether it conveys a last-minute rescue, an unexpected change, or a dramatic turnaround, it signifies that a resolution or action was narrowly achieved or averted. This phrase captures the idea that time is running out and underscores the need for swift action or decision-making to avoid negative outcomes.