eleventh hour

noun

1. the last possible moment for doing something:

   to change plans at the eleventh hour.

eleventh hour

noun

1. 1. the latest possible time; last minute
   2. ( as modifier )

      an eleventh-hour decision

eleventh hour

1. The last minute: “The water bombers arrived at the eleventh hour — just in time to prevent the forest fire from engulfing the town.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of eleventh hour¹

First recorded in 1820–30

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]

Example Sentences

Mr Scott said it now felt as though the industry was working together to solve the issue but described it as the "eleventh hour".

From BBC

Any chance of Oseguera González reaching a deal seemed to evaporate last year when he backed out of a plea at the eleventh hour after changing attorneys.

From Los Angeles Times

He didn’t want to just be a depth piece added to some defense at the eleventh hour.

From Los Angeles Times

ABC had been desperate to secure Richardson for “Home Improvement” at the eleventh hour.

From Los Angeles Times

On November 11 at eleven a.m.—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—the guns fell silent on the Western Front.

From Literature