hour of reckoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hour of reckoning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a period of time when people must pay for or face the consequences of their actions. For example: "The mayor's hour of reckoning has arrived, and now he must answer for his wrongdoings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"The hour of reckoning has come," Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said.

The New York Times

"A global race … means an hour of reckoning for countries like ours," warned the Tory leader.

The Guardian

Business school professor David Beim, a financial-markets expert and former investment banker, says the euro's hour of reckoning is at hand.

Columbia University

The first sign of his epiphany was his speech to the Conservative Party conference last October, when he intoned, at his actorly best: "We're in a global race today and that means an hour of reckoning for countries like ours.

The Economist

The volcanic ash from Iceland may have postponed the Athens negotiations between the Greek government and officials from the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund until Wednesday, but the hour of reckoning is nigh.

The Guardian - Opinion

So wear that Christmas jumper if you must; watch the Queen's speech, sure; even refuse to refer to the turkey as anything but a "bird"; just know that if you do, the hour of reckoning will come.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In the 24-hour system of reckoning, used in Europe and by military agencies of the United States, the hours and minutes are given as a four-digit number.

Britannica

Shot in 12 days last autumn, A Field In England had a "microbudget" – roughly the same as half an hour of TV, reckons Wheatley – which allowed him absolute creative freedom.

The Guardian - Film

The argument has become so heated that even the leading candidates have become involved as the hours tick away toward their day of reckoning.

The New York Times

Your day of reckoning is upon you".

The New Yorker

"The day of reckoning is coming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hour of reckoning" to convey a sense of impending consequences or a critical evaluation period. The phrase suggests that actions or decisions will soon be judged or have repercussions.

Common error

Avoid using "hour of reckoning" for minor inconveniences or trivial situations. The phrase carries a weight of significance and should be reserved for moments with substantial implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hour of reckoning" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies a specific time of critical assessment or impending consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules and is used to denote the time when actions are judged.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hour of reckoning" signifies a critical time when consequences must be faced or actions are judged. It's grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, its frequency is relatively uncommon. Related phrases include "day of reckoning" and "moment of truth", each carrying slightly different nuances. Use it to denote a time when actions are brought to account, but avoid overusing it in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment of truth

Focuses on the decisive nature of the moment, emphasizing the revealing of the true situation.

day of reckoning

Shifts the emphasis to a specific day when consequences are faced, rather than a shorter period.

time of reckoning

Broadens the timeframe to a less specific 'time', indicating a period rather than a point.

judgment day

Implies a final and decisive judgment, often with religious connotations.

crunch time

Emphasizes a period of intense pressure and critical importance.

moment of accountability

Highlights the need to answer for one's actions.

facing the music

An idiomatic expression meaning to accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

the chickens come home to roost

An idiomatic expression indicating that past actions are now causing problems.

point of no return

Emphasizes a critical juncture where the course is irreversibly set.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance of a specific point in time, emphasizing potential turning points.

FAQs

How can I use "hour of reckoning" in a sentence?

You can use "hour of reckoning" to describe a time when someone must face the consequences of their actions. For instance, "The politician's "hour of reckoning" arrived when the scandal was exposed."

What is a similar phrase to "hour of reckoning"?

Similar phrases include "day of reckoning", "moment of truth", or "time of reckoning". These all suggest a critical moment of judgment or accountability.

Is "hour of reckoning" a formal or informal phrase?

"Hour of reckoning" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, it generally carries a serious tone and is best suited for situations where consequences are significant.

What's the difference between "hour of reckoning" and "day of reckoning"?

While both phrases imply a time of judgment, "hour of reckoning" suggests a more immediate or acute moment of consequence, while "day of reckoning" implies a more extended period or a specific day when consequences will be faced.