borrowed time
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of borrowed time
First recorded in 1895–1900
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instead, hedge funds have become bigger players in the market, using borrowed funds that make them more sensitive to changes in prices.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
And while the loan is outstanding, the borrowed funds are no longer invested, meaning you forgo the potential benefits of compounding.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026
Since 2010, they have bought shopping centres, office parks and solar farms as well as funding large housing developments with borrowed funds.
From BBC • Aug. 25, 2025
According to the indictment, Hwang first invested his personal fortune, which grew from $1.5 billion to over $35 billion, and later borrowed funds from major banks and brokerages, vastly expanding the scheme.
From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024
At the same time the bank may discontinue credits or demand repayment before the due date in the event that borrowed funds are improperly or inefficiently used.
From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
