Idioms

borrowed time

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borrowed time

An uncertain length of time that may end soon or suddenly, bringing any activity, situation, or fortunes associated with it to an end as well. Usually refers to the final period of one's life, in the form "living on borrowed time." In the scope of the planet's history, human existence is a tiny blip and unlikely to last forever—just borrowed time, really. Accidents and disease can strike so unexpectedly that it feels like we're all living on borrowed time. The company has been on borrowed time ever since those risky investments in 2007 went sour.

See also: borrow, time

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

borrowed time, on

An unexpected extension of time. It often refers to someone terminally ill or in great danger but surviving longer than was anticipated, on time that is in effect borrowed from Death. The term dates from the late 1800s. Raymond Chandler used it in The Big Sleep (1930): “Brody was living on borrowed time.” James Patterson also had it, referring to the 48-hour deadline for a threatened bombing attack: “We were definitely operating on borrowed time” (London Bridges, 2004).

See also: borrow, on

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer

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References in periodicals archive

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock - a member of the Oireachtas committee to grill FAI chiefs on April 10 - said: "The board of the FAI is onl"existing on borrowed time".

Delaney FAI loan is under scrutiny; Spotlight on FAI & Delaney

Ian Wright believes Jose Mourinho is on borrowed time

Wright says Mourinho's plight is just like Wenger's

Given the above, one has to pose the question as to whether the coach is living on borrowed time?

The crisis is real for Zidane and Madrid now

On Borrowed Time will be followed by Rashid & Rajib, a body-switch comedy in November, and Scales, which is described as a "dark mermaid drama", in early 2017.

Abu Dhabi firm shooting three movies

"Right now, you are living on borrowed time. If you continue to ignore Scotland's voice, if you continue to disrespect the choice that people across this country made in May, more and more people will conclude that Westminster simply can't deliver for Scotland."

Scottish nationalist leader says UK 'living on borrowed time'

The United Kingdom is 'living on borrowed time' if the British government fails to listen to Scottish voters, Scottish nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday, the first anniversary of an historic independence referendum.

Scottish nationalist leader says UK 'living on borrowed time'

TUESDAY Fried BBC3, 10.30pm Although BBC3 as a traditional TV channel is supposedly living on borrowed time, it's still bringing us top-class entertainment - perhaps in an attempt to switch onto its eventual online version.

Evans, said to be ill and "living on borrowed time", received a two year suspended prison sentence and he was fined PS2,000.

No jail for the gamekeeper with walking stick gun; Suspended sentence and PS2k fine for 70-year-old'living on borrowed time'

Any player in that position who has netted just once in an albeit injury-riddled two-year period has got to be living on borrowed time.

Numbers game still hurts Kone

By heck, missus, but I must be living on borrowed time.

Sit down at your peril

And for the 38-year-old from Cardiff it'll be a very personal journey as she is living on "borrowed time" after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.

Rowena's bid for a bucket list

And for the 38-year-old from Cardiff it'll be a very personal journey as she has been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and is living on "borrowed time".

Rowena's appeal for bucket lists

Meanwhile, crooked cop Sonny could be on borrowed time - Kathleen's getting suspicious so she decides to follow him.

"I wouldn't necessarily say it (the British record) is on borrowed time but we are all getting a bit closer."

British girls are fast improving; SPORT SHORTS ATHLETICS

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