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borrowed time

American

noun

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

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.

It has said that it believes Syria is living "on borrowed time".

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2025

Former United goalkeeper Massimo Taibi, whose famous howler against Southampton in 1999 hastened his own departure from Old Trafford, believes Onana could be on borrowed time.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025

The announcement is another acknowledgment that pay TV subscription revenue is living on borrowed time, as consumers move away from cable and satellite video providers to streaming services.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2025

Every day feels like I’m on borrowed time.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2024

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023