eleventh hour

American  

noun

1. the last possible moment for doing something.

   to change plans at the eleventh hour.

---

eleventh hour British  

noun

1. 1. the latest possible time; last minute

   2. ( as modifier )

      an eleventh-hour decision

---

eleventh hour Cultural  

1. The last minute: “The water bombers arrived at the eleventh hour — just in time to prevent the forest fire from engulfing the town.”

---

eleventh hour Idioms  

1. The latest possible time, as in We turned in our report at the eleventh hour. This term is thought to allude to the parable of the laborers (Matthew 20:1–16), in which those workers hired at the eleventh hour of a twelve-hour working day were paid the same amount as those who began in the first hour. [Early 1800s]

---

Etymology

Origin of eleventh hour

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

But at least 20 key speakers from Africa and Asia -- where the deaths are heavily concentrated -- were refused entry to Europe at the eleventh hour.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

At the eleventh hour, the White House named Essayli as acting U.S. attorney, allowing him to hold the post for 210 more days without confirmation hearings.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2025

The surprising announcement came at the eleventh hour of his presidency and sparked celebration among the amendment's backers.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2025

Whereas years ago, partnerships might be switched at the eleventh hour, there is now an emphasis on matching dogs and owners early on.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2024

On November 11 at eleven a.m.—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—the guns fell silent on the Western Front.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman