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

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

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

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

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2025

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