Word info

borrowed time

Noun

Meaning

(idiomatic) A period of time whose precise duration is not known but which can be expected to be quite limited, and at the end of which one's situation, benefits, or opportunities will be entirely terminated.

A length of time whose duration has traditionally expired, but which continues nonetheless.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Examples

Borrowed time and borrowed world and borrowed eyes with which to sorrow it. Cormac McCarthy

More than ever before, for humanity to live under capitalism, is to live on borrowed time. David Horowitz

John Candy knew he was going to die. He told me on his 40th birthday. He said, well, Maureen, I'm on borrowed time. Maureen O'Hara

Europeans have just been better organized for genocide... Far from enjoying the prospect of taking over Europe by having babies, Europe's Muslims are living on borrowed time... Ralph Peters

These rovers are living on borrowed time. We're so past warranty on them. You try to push them hard every day because we're living day to day. Steven Squyres

Being in love with a married woman is living on borrowed time. Sicilian Proverb

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