on borrowed time



on borrowed time

not likely to be active or working much longer Sales were down by a whole lot, putting the company on borrowed time. I think our hot water heater is on borrowed time.
Usage notes: often used in the form living on borrowed time (not likely to live very long): He knew he was living on borrowed time after two heart attacks.
See also: borrow, on, time

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Evaristus-Ancient Greek (Latinized)
DardenDAHR-dənEnglish (Rare)
Ayris['ɛəris]
AnikÓAW-nee-koHungarian
CadenceKAY-dəntsEnglish (Modern)
Ermete-Italian