English Idioms from A-Z

Living On Borrowed Time

The idiom "living on borrowed time" means that someone is continuing to live or exist despite the fact that they are expected to die or fail soon. It suggests that the person is living beyond their expected lifespan or time limit, and that their survival is temporary or uncertain.

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone has narrowly escaped death or a serious illness, and is now living with the knowledge that they may not have much time left. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is taking risks or behaving recklessly, as if they are aware that their time is limited.

For example, if someone has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is expected to live only a few more months, they may be said to be "living on borrowed time." Similarly, if someone has narrowly avoided a serious accident or injury, they may be said to be "living on borrowed time" because they know that they could have easily died.

Overall, this idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is living with the knowledge that their time is limited, and that they are only surviving because of luck or chance.


The usage of the idiom 'Living On Borrowed Time' in a sentence

• After surviving a near-death experience, she felt like she was living on borrowed time and vowed to make every moment count.

• After his lung cancer diagnosis, he felt like he was living on borrowed time.

• The doctor told him that his heart condition was worsening and he was living on borrowed time.

• She knew that she was living on borrowed time when she saw the dark clouds in the sky.

• The climber knew that one mistake could mean that he was living on borrowed time.

• The company was already in debt, so when the pandemic hit, they knew they were living on borrowed time.

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