borrowed time
12
6.0
- noun
- /ˈbɔroʊd taɪm/
- Informal
:
tiempo prestado
- After the accident, he realized he was living on borrowed time due to his health risks.
- living on borrowed time
Examples
-
You know, we're on borrowed time, fellas.
-
We are living on borrowed time.
Academic text (2008) -
We're all on borrowed time, old man.
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We're on borrowed time, both of us.
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I am on borrowed time here.
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If only that man knew he was living on borrowed time.
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We are on borrowed time.
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So, you see, I'm living on borrowed time.
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You're living on borrowed time with me.
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With none of the antivirals taking effect, we're already living on borrowed time.
Synonyms
7
7.4
A person or thing not likely to last much longer because of a serious problem
Antonyms
How Long
1
6.5
- Informal
12
6.0
10
3.5
1
6.8
- Formal
1
3.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
borrowed + time
The phrase links the literal meanings of 'borrowed' (temporarily taken) and 'time' (a period), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer a temporary or extra period beyond what was expected. However, the specific idiomatic nuance—especially the sense of precarious continuation after an expected end (e.g., living beyond expected death)—is a metaphorical extension not fully predictable without exposure, so the expression is only partially transparent.
Etymology
The phrase borrowed time may come from the idea of borrowing money: when you borrowed something you had to give it back, so extra time feels like a short loan. That's why living on borrowed time means you only have a 'temporary' extra period and are close to an expected end.