Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “At the 11th hour” refers to doing something at the last possible moment, just before it’s too late. It emphasizes completing a task when time is nearly exhausted.
Hindi Equivalent:
“आखिरी पल में”
Literal Meaning: “At the final moment”
Detailed Explanation
This expression highlights:
- Last-Minute Action: Completing work when the deadline is imminent
- Urgency: A race against time to finish something
- Narrow Escape: Avoiding negative consequences by acting just in time
The phrase originates from the Bible (Matthew 20:9), where workers hired at the 11th hour (5 PM) received the same wage as those who worked all day.
Real-Life Examples
1. Exam Preparation
English: “He started studying at the 11th hour but somehow passed.”
Hindi: “उसने आखिरी पल में पढ़ाई शुरू की, लेकिन किसी तरह पास हो गया।”
2. Project Deadlines
English: “The team submitted the report at the 11th hour, barely meeting the deadline.”
Hindi: “टीम ने आखिरी समय में रिपोर्ट जमा की, मुश्किल से डेडलाइन पूरी हुई।”
3. Travel Plans
English: “They booked their tickets at the 11th hour and got the last seats.”
Hindi: “उन्होंने आखिरी मिनट में टिकट बुक किए और आखिरी सीटें मिल गईं।”
Psychological & Practical Insight
Why people act at the 11th hour:
✓ Procrastination: Delaying tasks until the deadline looms
✓ Pressure Motivation: Some work better under tight deadlines
✓ Adrenaline Rush: Last-minute urgency can boost focus
Usage Tips
✔ Use when describing last-minute efforts
✔ Effective in academic, professional, or personal contexts
✔ Can imply either praise (for completing on time) or criticism (for poor planning)
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Down to the wire” | “आखिरी समय तक” |
| “In the nick of time” | “ठीक समय पर” |
| “Just under the wire” | “बस समय रहते” |
Cultural Perspectives
Global variations:
- Spanish: “A la última hora” (At the last hour)
- French: “À la onzième heure” (At the eleventh hour)
- Japanese: “Giri-giri seikou” (Barely succeeding)
Reflection Questions:
- Do you often complete tasks at the 11th hour? Why?
- How can we balance urgency with better planning?
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