ENGLISH
REFERENCE

top of the hour

idiom
Meaning

The time at (or very close to) the start of the next hour of time.


Examples
SIMPLE

The news report starts at the top of the hour.

CONTEXTUAL

Please meet me in the lobby at the top of the hour for our scheduled tour.

COMPLEX

The radio host reminded listeners that the final election results would be announced precisely at the top of the hour.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    amateur hour

    A situation or activity in which the participants show a lack of skill, sound judgment, or professionalism.

  2. 02

    cherry on top

    Synonym of icing on the cake (“a thing which intensifies the appreciation of something already good, or (ironic) the regretting of something already bad”).

  3. 03

    finest hour

    A point in time or a relatively brief period of time when an especially distinguished, admirable, or effective set of actions is performed.

  4. 04

    long hour

    Any of the late hours of the day, especially those nearing midnight, or the hours after sunset.

  5. 05

    on top

    In a dominant position.

  6. 06

    over the top

    Beyond normal, expected, or reasonable limits; outrageous.

  7. 07

    put the bottom rail on top

    To reverse a hierarchy.

  8. 08

    rush hour

    The times of the day when traffic jams are commonplace, due mainly to people commuting to or from work.

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