the hour is at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the hour is at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a significant moment or event is imminent or about to occur. Example: "As the sun began to set, the villagers gathered in anticipation, knowing that the hour is at hand for the festival to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Be brave, heroes, for the hour is at hand: Google, in their wisdom, is now filtering – or selectively showing – hardcore porn with a bit heavier hand.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 2000, only 61,000 of Iowa's 560,000 registered Democrats turned up to the caucuses.In this section The hour of battle is at hand Dirty as well as dear?

The Economist

All the same, it is the first public criticism from within the armed forces.In this section The hour of battle is at hand Dirty as well as dear?

The Economist

Mr Clark was, after all, a political novice (he couldn't even seem to make up his mind whether he supported the Iraq war); and, when his movement started to falter, it was natural to beg for help from the Clinton people.In this section The hour of battle is at hand Dirty as well as dear?

The Economist

Most of the fall was accounted for by people leaving the labour force altogether.In this section The hour of battle is at hand Dirty as well as dear?

The Economist

His account of economic policy is strongly influenced by his personal disdain for Larry Lindsey, Mr Bush's economic adviser, whom Mr O'Neill presents as a lightweight ideologue (Mr Lindsey was fired at the same time as Mr O'Neill).In this section The hour of battle is at hand Dirty as well as dear?

The Economist

In "The Fitzgeralds are coming" (December 20th 2003), we wrongly identifed Jack Ryan, who is running for Senate in Illinois, as a Democrat; he is in fact a RepublicanIn this section The hour of battle is at hand Dirty as well as dear?

The Economist

Today there are 75 plants distilling a record 2.8 billion gallons, with a dozen more facilities under construction.In this section The hour of battle is at hand Dirty as well as dear?

The Economist

Then, after a series of leaks from the investigators, he confessed on television on December 12th that he had made it all up.In this section The hour of battle is at hand Dirty as well as dear?

The Economist

The point is getting out the vote using celeb firepower, persuading young people to register and urging Democrat waverers that the hour of crisis is at hand, that every vote counts, and that residual Sanders-ist disaffection with the whole mainstream process has to be put aside for the purposes of keeping a dangerous racist and fascist out of the White House.

The Guardian - Film

Darkness falls across the land The midnight hour is close at hand Creatures crawl in search of blood To terrorize y'alls neighborhood.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the hour is at hand" to create a sense of drama or anticipation, especially when referring to an important event or decision. This phrase works best when the context implies a significant turning point.

Common error

Avoid using "the hour is at hand" in everyday conversation. Its somewhat formal and dramatic tone can sound out of place in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the hour is at hand" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used to signal that a significant event or moment is imminent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of anticipation and impending importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the hour is at hand" is an idiomatic expression used to denote the imminence of a significant event. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While its use isn't exceptionally common, it effectively communicates a sense of anticipation and importance. When using this phrase, it's best to avoid casual contexts, reserving it for situations where a dramatic or formal tone is appropriate. Alternatives such as "the time has come" or "the moment is upon us" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the moment is upon us

Emphasizes the arrival of a specific moment or event, suggesting a sense of anticipation or inevitability.

the time has come

A more direct and straightforward expression indicating that the appropriate or destined time has arrived.

the crucial time approaches

Highlights the significance of the approaching time, suggesting a critical juncture or decision point.

the decisive moment nears

Stresses the importance of the impending moment, implying that a significant outcome will be determined.

the zero hour is near

A more dramatic and intense expression, often used to signify a critical or dangerous moment.

the climax is imminent

Suggests that the peak or culmination of an event is about to occur, often with a sense of excitement or tension.

destiny calls

Adds a sense of fate or higher purpose to the impending moment, implying that events are unfolding according to a predetermined plan.

the die is cast

Implies that a decision has been made and cannot be reversed, leading to an inevitable outcome.

the Rubicon has been crossed

Suggests that a point of no return has been reached, committing to a course of action with irreversible consequences.

judgment day is approaching

Refers to an ultimate reckoning or evaluation, especially in moral or spiritual contexts.

FAQs

What does "the hour is at hand" mean?

It's an idiomatic expression meaning that a crucial moment or event is very close or about to happen. It suggests a sense of imminence and importance.

What can I say instead of "the hour is at hand"?

Alternatives include "the time has come", "the moment is upon us", or "the decisive moment nears". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the hour is at hand" formal or informal?

It leans toward formal and somewhat dramatic. It's more appropriate for writing or speeches than casual conversation.

How can I use "the hour is at hand" in a sentence?

Example: "The general addressed his troops, declaring that "the hour is at hand" for their final assault."