# deathbed conversion

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/deathbed-conversion
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An abrupt, last-minute change in one's professed beliefs, principles, or point of view in order to escape a serious threat or to increase one's chances of success.

## Examples

- His sudden apology felt like a suspicious deathbed conversion.
- The politician suddenly supported the new law, but critics dismissed his change of heart as a convenient deathbed conversion.
- Facing a lifetime of scrutiny, the disgraced executive attempted a deathbed conversion, hoping to salvage his reputation before the final verdict arrived.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.