[live] on borrowed time
1
to be expected to die soon because of a serious illness, terrible accident, etc.
The idiom "live on borrowed time" has its origins in the notion of someone whose life has been extended or prolonged beyond what was expected, typically due to luck or some external factor. It implies that the person is living beyond their allotted or expected time, as if they've borrowed extra time beyond their natural lifespan. This expression is often used to describe individuals who have survived a life-threatening situation or a serious illness.
- She lived on borrowed time for years before finally receiving a heart transplant.
- The endangered species was living on borrowed time as their habitat continued to be destroyed.
- After surviving the plane crash, he felt like he was living on borrowed time and decided to make the most of every moment.
- The cancer patient, who had defied the odds for years, knew she was living on borrowed time but remained optimistic.
- The reckless driver narrowly avoided a fatal accident, making him realize he had been living on borrowed time.