borrowed time

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of borrowed time

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

borrowed time

The stock market’s momentum is not built on borrowed time.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026

But even as it looked as if Section 2 was on borrowed time, the court sent repeated signals that it would, in fact, respect precedent when it came to protections against racial gerrymandering.

From Slate ● May 13, 2026

Here are the ways I use them most, especially when they’re already open and on borrowed time.

From Salon ● May 5, 2026

But it’s hard to overlook the ratio’s decline began almost 12 months ago, which suggests that the stock market may be living on borrowed time.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 17, 2026

She was too old then and living on borrowed time to repeat the miracle of the little candy animals, and none of her descendants had inherited her strength.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez