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.
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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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.