The eleventh hour
Meaning
The last possible moment or nearly too late to take action.
Origin
The phrase originates from the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 20:1-16). In the parable, a landowner hires laborers at various times throughout the day, including some 'about the eleventh hour.' Despite starting work so late, these eleventh-hour workers receive the same wage as those who toiled all day. This story highlights the master's generosity and the idea that even at the very end of the day—the eleventh hour out of a twelve-hour workday—there is still time for action and reward. The vivid metaphor quickly passed into common English, capturing the tension and urgency of the final possible moment.
Examples
- The team submitted their project proposal at the eleventh hour, just minutes before the deadline.
- She always managed to pull off her assignments at the eleventh hour, much to her professor's dismay.