The latest possible moment before a deadline or critical event, referring to last-minute timing that still allows for success.
Derives from the Biblical parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), where laborers hired at the eleventh hour of a twelve-hour workday received the same pay as those who worked all day. The phrase entered English usage in the 17th century.
The 'eleventh hour' reveals an interesting cultural shift in how we measure urgency. While the original parable emphasized fairness and divine grace, modern usage focuses on procrastination and cutting things close. We've transformed a story about generosity into a warning about poor time management.
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