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.
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
It feels increasingly like the prime minister is on borrowed time.
From BBC ● May 9, 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
We are living on borrowed time, because at any moment, one of the Nazis is going to hear something.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
