THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
At the eleventh hour
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
At the last possible moment, when it is almost too late.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The missing document arrived at the eleventh hour.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The missing document arrived ________.
Show the answer
At the eleventh hour — At the last possible moment, when it is almost too late.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “At the eleventh hour” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
At the last possible moment, when it is almost too late.
Compare: The missing document arrived at the eleventh hour.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it for a late decision, agreement or change just before a deadline. It suits conversation and general or professional writing.
More examples in context
- We found a replacement speaker at the eleventh hour.
- They changed the travel arrangements at the eleventh hour, just before booking closed.
Usage note
This is not a reference to eleven o’clock. Before a noun, use the hyphenated adjective: “an eleventh-hour change.”
A short conversation
A: Did you manage to submit the application?
B: Yes, at the eleventh hour. The upload finished just before the deadline.
A: Next time, let us leave more time.
One more practice question
Which action happens at the eleventh hour?
A. Submitting a form just seconds before the deadline.
B. Submitting a form a month before it is due.
Check your answer
A. The action happens at the last moment, almost too late.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.