Eleventh hour

Meaning

At the last possible moment.

Usage

Describes urgent last-minute moves.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Biblical parable of laborers hired at the eleventh hour.

Appears in English literature from the 18th century onward.