lɪv ɒn ˈbɒroʊd taɪm
Time
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To exist using time that is borrowed
What does "live on borrowed time" mean?
- To continue living or existing beyond expectations
- To be in a situation that cannot last much longer
Examples
- After the heart attack, he felt he was living on borrowed time.
- The old building is living on borrowed time.
- The business has been living on borrowed time for years.
Origin
The metaphor of time as something borrowed—eventually it must be repaid. Used for situations or people existing beyond their expected end.
How to use it
Can be serious (health) or metaphorical (businesses, relationships). Implies eventual end.
Similar expressions
on death's door
running out of time
days are numbered
Opposites
have plenty of time
just beginning
Related idioms
- in the long run
Over a long period of time
- better late than never
It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- from time to time
occasionally, not regularly
- in the nick of time
Just in time; at the last possible moment
- run out of time
to have no more time left to do something
- time flies when you're having fun
Enjoyable moments seem to pass quickly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "live on borrowed time" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.