borrowed time
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.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The old car is on borrowed time.”
“The company has been losing money for months, so the manager knows the project is on borrowed time.”
“After the structural failure was discovered in the historic bridge, engineers warned the city that the entire span was operating on borrowed time.”
- 01
a week is a long time in politics
In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.
- 02
about time
Far past the desired time.
- 03
adorn oneself with borrowed plumes
To claim the honor of another for oneself.
- 04
any time now
Very soon.
- 05
any time soon
soon
- 06
better luck next time
Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.
- 07
bide one's time
To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.
- 08
borrow trouble
To worry about future events not in one's control and that may not come to pass.
Last updated August 10, 2026