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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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Ultimately, Nvidia and other AI chip makers are living on borrowed time.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

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

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

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

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