eleventh hour

American  

noun

1. the last possible moment for doing something.

   to change plans at the eleventh hour.

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eleventh hour British  

noun

1. 1. the latest possible time; last minute

   2. ( as modifier )

      an eleventh-hour decision

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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.”

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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]

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Etymology

Origin of eleventh hour

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

eleventh hour

Three summer music festivals on historical country estates have been cancelled at the eleventh hour, with the organiser blaming high costs and low ticket sales.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

It will hold separate elections for some voters based on how their districts have been changed at the eleventh hour.

From Slate ● Jun. 3, 2026

With the ceasefire due to expire earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension at the eleventh hour, to allow more time for peace talks brokered by Pakistan.

From Barron's ● Apr. 23, 2026

The newlyweds reportedly had to make an eleventh hour venue change, opting for the more secluded and secure Arsenale for the Saturday reception, according to local media.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2025

Then he said quietly: ‘Up to the last moment—up to the eleventh hour, we will beg the Governor’s permission for the ships’ return to London with their cargo.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes