borrowed time

noun

1. an uncertain, usually limited period of time extending beyond or postponing the occurrence of something inevitable.

Word History and Origins

Origin of borrowed time¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The post How the ad industry can use its borrowed time to future-proof first-party data solutions appeared first on Digiday.

From Digiday

Nichols said frequently that he felt he was living on “borrowed time,” thanks to his last-second migration to the United States at the age of 7.

From Vox

If the browsers agree then it could mean those hashed email alternatives are on borrowed time.

From Digiday

We’ve seen things in 2020 come unglued rapidly, and with a global financial system that’s in the twilight zone, we’re living on borrowed time, economically speaking.

From Ozy

Nathan Lane got the call the week he opened on Broadway in On Borrowed Time and in the film Frankie and Johnny.

From The Daily Beast

Putting that aside, I like the notion that Emma is living on borrowed time, that there is a ticking clock affixed to her neck.

From The Daily Beast

For the past 60 years, the West has been operating on borrowed time in its dealings with the Arab world.

From The Daily Beast

Then nine years later we did On Borrowed Time by Paul Osbourne back at Circle in the Square.

From The Daily Beast

Nevertheless it's certain that those two, whoever they may be, are here on borrowed time.

From Project Gutenberg

You are all living on borrowed time; and but for our pleadings, it would be still less.

From Project Gutenberg

He was well into the thirties and his life's goal was still tantalizingly far before him, and he living on borrowed time.

From Project Gutenberg

She says she is living on borrowed time because she has always taken care of herself and worked and been honest.

From Project Gutenberg

I am now living on borrowed time, being in my seventy-ninth year.

From Project Gutenberg