idiom
on borrowed time
on BOR-ohd TYM
ɒn ˈbɒroʊd taɪmListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
onborrowedtime
Dictionary meaning
Surviving longer than expected; in a situation unlikely to last.
Examples
- The struggling retailer was clearly on borrowed time when it closed its last two profitable branches.
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “on borrowed time” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction