live on borrowed time
live on borrowed time
To live or exist in a temporary and/or tenuous position, which may come to an end suddenly and abruptly. Accidents and disease can strike so unexpectedly that it feels like we're all living on borrowed time.
See also: borrow, live, on, time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
live on borrowed time
Fig. to exist only because of good fortune; to live on when death was expected. The doctors told him he was living on borrowed time. You are living on borrowed time, so make the best of it.
See also: borrow, live, on, time
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
on borrowed time, live
Outlive reasonable expectations, as in Our twenty-year-old car is living on borrowed time, or The vet said our dog is living on borrowed time. This expression alludes to time borrowed from death. [Late 1800s]
See also: borrow, live, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
living on borrowed time
continuing to survive against expectations (used with the implication that this will not be for much longer).See also: borrow, living, on, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
be/live on borrowed ˈtime
1 (of a person who is seriously ill) live longer than the doctors expected: The doctors say he’s living on borrowed time.
2 be doing something that other people are likely to soon stop you from doing: The government is on borrowed time (= they are not likely to be in power for long).
See also: borrow, live, on, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- be/live on borrowed time
- on borrowed time, live
- living on borrowed time
- be living on borrowed time
- exist on borrowed time
- on borrowed time
- abortive action
- pull the rug
- pull the rug (out) from under (someone)
- pull the rug out