borrowed time

American

noun

an uncertain, usually limited period of time extending beyond or postponing the occurrence of something inevitable.

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.

The world record appeared to be on borrowed time after Hodgkinson opened her season with a 1:56.33 clocking in Birmingham five days ago.

From BBC

But without his puppyish energy, Take That were on borrowed time.

From BBC

Logic would say that Nancy is already on borrowed time, but logic doesn't seem to be pervasive at the club at the moment.

From BBC

Still, just a month ago contrarians believed that the gold rally was “living on borrowed time” and that they would “get the last laugh.”

From MarketWatch

Is Amorim on borrowed time as Man Utd boss?

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023