Definition

1. Noun:
   • The latest possible moment; the last minute: "Eleventh hour" refers to the final, often critical, period just before a deadline or a significant event occurs. It implies that action is taken or a situation changes when there is almost no time left.

Usage

• As a noun phrase: Typically used with the definite article "the" ("the eleventh hour") to describe a time of urgent, last-minute action or decision.
• Common pattern: "at the eleventh hour" functions as an adverbial phrase meaning "at the very last moment."

Examples

• Noun (in the phrase "at the eleventh hour"):

Advanced Usage

• "Eleventh-hour" (as a hyphenated adjective): Used directly before a noun to describe something that happens or is done at the last possible moment.

Variants and Related Words

• Last minute (noun phrase): A very common synonym with a similar meaning.
• Zero hour (noun): The specific time when an operation or event is scheduled to begin, often with a sense of urgency.
• Crunch time (noun): A critical period when pressure is high and decisive action is needed.

Synonyms

• Last moment: The final point in time.
• Nick of time: Just before it is too late.
• Final hour: The concluding period.

Related Phrases

• Down to the wire: Until the very last second, especially in a competition or race against time.
• In the nick of time: At the last possible instant before it is too late.

Idioms

• "At the eleventh hour": This is the primary idiom. It emphasizes the lateness of an action and often carries a connotation of drama, urgency, or a narrow escape from a negative outcome.

Noun

1. the latest possible moment
   • money became available at the eleventh hour
   • at the last minute the government changed the rules