borrowed time

American  

noun

1. 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

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

The gold-platinum ratio suggests the stock market is living on borrowed time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 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

What an effect this had on people living on borrowed time.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane