zero hour
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The precise time at which a planned action or operation is scheduled to begin: This term originates from military usage, referring to the specific moment an attack or mission commences. It implies a critical, fixed point in time from which subsequent events are measured.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The commander announced that zero hour for the offensive would be at 0500 hours.
- For the project launch, zero hour is set for 9:00 AM tomorrow.
Advanced Usage
- "At zero hour": At the exact moment something begins.
- The troops moved out at zero hour.
- "Approaching zero hour": The period just before a critical event starts.
- Tension was high in the control room as they were approaching zero hour for the rocket launch.
Variants and Related Words
- H-hour (n): A synonymous military term for the specific hour an operation begins.
- D-day (n): The designated day on which an operation initiates, often used in conjunction with "zero hour" or "H-hour" to specify the exact time.
Synonyms
- Start time: The time at which something begins.
- Kickoff: The start of an event or activity.
- Commencement: The beginning of something.
Related Phrases
- Countdown to zero hour: The final period of waiting and preparation before an event starts.
- The team began the countdown to zero hour for the software update.
Related Idioms
- The zero hour: Used to emphasize the critical nature of the starting moment.
- Everything must be ready by the zero hour; there will be no second chances.
Noun
- the time set for the start of an action or operation