The idiom "eleventh hour" refers to the last minute or the final moment before a deadline or an important event. It is often used to describe a situation where something is done at the very last moment, just before it is too late.
For example, if you have a project due tomorrow and you start working on it only the night before, you can say that you are completing it at the eleventh hour. Similarly, if someone makes a decision or takes action at the last possible moment, you can say that they did it at the eleventh hour.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Bible, where it is mentioned in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. In this parable, the workers who were hired at the eleventh hour received the same payment as those who had worked all day.
In modern usage, the idiom "eleventh hour" is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as business, politics, sports, and everyday life.
• I almost missed my flight, but I arrived at the airport at the eleventh hour.
• The team was losing by a significant margin, but they made a comeback and won the game at the eleventh hour.
• My sister finished her homework at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline.
• The rescue team arrived at the eleventh hour to save the hikers stranded on the mountain.
• The negotiations went on until the eleventh hour, but finally, a compromise was reached.
• The company completed the project at the eleventh hour, but it was still successful.