Choose the correct meaning: At the eleventh hour

The idiom "at the eleventh hour" refers to something happening or being done at the very last possible moment, often implying a sense of urgency, delay, or near-miss. Its origin is rooted in the biblical parable of the laborers in Matthew 20:1-16, where workers are hired at various times throughout the day, including the "eleventh hour," which was the last hour of the working day (around 5 PM). This phrase has since evolved to signify a point just before it's too late, or the final opportunity. Actions taken at the eleventh hour are typically characterized by a rush or a narrow escape from failure. For example, a project submitted at the eleventh hour means it was completed just before the deadline. Therefore, "very late" is the most fitting interpretation, as it emphasizes the proximity to the absolute final point in time.