borrowed time: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to neutral, primarily figurative/literary.
Quick answer
What does “borrowed time” mean?
A period of existence or operation that extends beyond what was originally expected or allotted, implying that continuation is uncertain and temporary.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A period of existence or operation that extends beyond what was originally expected or allotted, implying that continuation is uncertain and temporary.
A precarious or temporary extension of a situation, often used when someone or something is surviving or functioning despite a terminal diagnosis, expiration, or imminent failure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and structure.
Connotations
Identical connotations of precarious survival.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “borrowed time” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be/live/operate + on + borrowed timeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “borrowed time” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is merely borrowing time before the inevitable audit.
- The government borrowed time with a temporary funding measure.
American English
- They're just borrowing time until the new model launches.
- The coach borrowed time with a few lucky wins.
adverb
British English
- The company continued, borrowed-timely, for another month.
American English
- They lived borrowed-timely after the disaster.
adjective
British English
- A borrowed-time existence
- A borrowed-time ceasefire held precariously.
American English
- The borrowed-time agreement finally collapsed.
- He had a borrowed-time feeling about his job.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"After the third quarterly loss, analysts said the CEO was living on borrowed time."
Academic
"The treaty, lacking key signatories, is now considered to be on borrowed time."
Everyday
"This old car is running on borrowed time; we need to start looking for a new one."
Technical
"The reactor's compromised cooling system means the facility is operating on borrowed time."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “borrowed time”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “borrowed time”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “borrowed time”
- Using it without 'on' (e.g., 'He is borrowed time'). Confusing it with 'borrowing time' which implies actively trying to delay something.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Its core meaning is negative, implying an impending end. However, it can sometimes highlight unexpected survival or resilience, e.g., 'The patient has been on borrowed time for years, amazing everyone.'
In the main idiomatic phrase 'to be/live/operate on borrowed time,' yes. The preposition 'on' is fixed. Other structures (e.g., using it as a noun phrase) are less common.
The concept originates from the idea that time, like money, can be borrowed. If you are 'living on borrowed time,' you are using time that is not rightfully yours, which will eventually have to be 'repaid' with your life or the end of the situation.
It commonly refers to both. It can describe people, animals, governments, machines, agreements, or any entity whose continued existence is unexpectedly extended but seen as terminally precarious.
A period of existence or operation that extends beyond what was originally expected or allotted, implying that continuation is uncertain and temporary.
Borrowed time is usually informal to neutral, primarily figurative/literary. in register.
Borrowed time: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɒr.əʊd ˈtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɔːr.oʊd ˈtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on borrowed time”
- “living on borrowed time”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine borrowing a book from a library that's already overdue. You have it, but you know you must return it soon. 'Borrowed time' is like that—extra moments you have, but which must eventually end.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE / LIFE IS A LOAN (that must be repaid).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'on borrowed time' typically imply?