⏳ At the Eleventh Hour: Rushing through Procrastination ⏰
“At the eleventh hour” describes that critical moment when something gets done just in the nick of time, almost at the last possible moment. This cliché has an interesting journey, touching upon biblical parables, speeches, and history.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Just in time: Perfectly timed completion.
- At the last minute: Accomplishing something just before a deadline.
- Down to the wire: Running slightly but crucially late.
- Under the gun: Completing something under pressure.
Essays Like Carpe Diem!
Other proverbs and expressions:
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Proverbs:
- Better late than never: It’s more desirable for someone to arrive or to do something late than not to do it or arrive at all.
- There’s no time like the present: An encouraging nudge to lessen procrastination and seize the day.
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Common phrases:
- Quick as a flash: Done almost instantly or without delay.
- Slip through the cracks: Refers to missing an opportunity because of waiting too long.
- Every second counts: Stressing urgency and timeliness.
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Idioms:
- Right under the wire: Completing a task just before the deadline.
- Just squeaked by: Barely meeting expectations or requirements.
Definitions:
- In the nick of time: At the critical or crucial moment.
- At the last possible moment: Completing something just before it’s too late.
- Cutting it close: Finishing with very little time to spare.
Synonyms:
- Timely
- Prompt
- In the clutch
Antonyms:
- Late
- Tardy
- Delayed
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” - Don Marquis
- “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.” - Groucho Marx
- “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” - Will Rogers
References:
- Biblical Parable: Matthew 20:1–16
- Poetry: “The Old Sergeant” by Forceythe Willson
- Historical Event: Armistice ending World War I, coming into force at 11 A.M. on November 11, 1918.
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Books: “Procrastination: Why You Do It, What to Do About It Now” by Jane B. Burka Ph.D., Lenora M. Yuen Ph.D.
- Poetry: “The Old Sergeant” by Forceythe Willson
- Movies: “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) - Inspires to persevere till the last moment.
- Songs: “Right in Time” by Lucinda Williams - Mentions timing and moments fitting perfectly.
### Which of these is a biblical reference related to the phrase "at the eleventh hour"?
- [x] The Parable of the Laborers (Matthew 20:1–16)
- [ ] The Story of Job
- [ ] The Prodigal Son
- [ ] The Good Samaritan
> **Explanation:** The phrase "at the eleventh hour" traces back to the biblical Parable of the Laborers where workers hired at the eleventh hour receive the same wages as those employed earlier.
### "At the eleventh hour" relates to finishing tasks:
- [ ] Early
- [x] Just before the deadline
- [ ] Randomly
- [ ] Long after the deadline
> **Explanation:** This phrase means accomplishing or almost accomplishing something just before the very last achievable moment.
### True or False: The armistice ending World War I came into force at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Indeed, the armistice took effect at 11 A.M. on November 11, 1918, symbolically noted as the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Farewell, fellow reader! Remember, while diving into the rush-hour frenzy may often spark adrenaline, finding a balance between timely decisions and well-thought-out actions is a true art worthy of mastering.
Inspirational thought: “Time waits for no one, so seize the moment – but don’t let every moment become an eleventh hour.”
