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The phrase “on the eleventh hour” refers to the last possible moment before problems or solutions can arise. It comes from a parable in the New Testament and is often used to describe procrastination, but can also refer to last-minute solutions or unexpected problems.
The eleventh hour is the last possible moment when something can be done before problems or solutions can arise. The phrase “on the eleventh hour” now became popular in the 19th century, but it was in use much earlier. It specifically alludes to the book of Matthew in the New Testament (20:2-16).
This account in Matthew is a parable concerning workers who arrive at the eleventh hour of the workday and are still paid a full day. Biblical scholars have suggested that the parable may mean that even people who approach Christianity in old age will still gain the full benefits of the joys of eternal life.
Some scholars have even placed this time as specifically the time between 5 and 6, since the typical work day would have been from sunrise to sunset, or 6 to 6. This very literal meaning rarely applies to the eleventh hour as it is commonly used. Instead, it simply means “at the last possible moment.”
Some refer to “the eleventh hour” as procrastination and see the phrase in a negative sense. For example, Constantine’s conversion to Christianity on his deathbed seems unfair to some Christians, as it happened at the last moment. A student who waits until evening before writing a term paper or finishing an assignment has certainly procrastinated and may turn in work that has not been carefully thought out or well prepared.
In other circumstances, a last minute solution is welcomed. For example, in the sentence “At the eleventh hour, the Teachers’ Union and the School Board were able to negotiate a contract”, the sentence is used positively. If the contract had not been negotiated, then the teachers’ union would have had to strike. In other words, sometimes the solution that arrives just in time saves the day.
Other times, at the eleventh hour, a problem may arise that delays something from being done. A family that has packed all day for a trip may have their trip delayed at the last minute by a child who suddenly has a fever. Such problems are usually unwelcome events.
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