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Borrowed Time

What Does "Borrowed Time" Mean?

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"Borrowed time" is an English idiom. It means "an uncertain and usually uncontrolled postponement of something inevitable."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "borrowed time" used in a sentence:
  • After the diagnosis, he knew he was living on borrowed time.
  • The old car is running on borrowed time; we need a new one soon.
  • With the company's finances in such a state, it's operating on borrowed time.
meaning for borrowed time

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Borrowed Time" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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