ZERO HOUR Meaning and
Definition
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Zero hour, also referred to as "the eleventh hour," is a phrase originating from the military that is used to indicate the precise moment when a planned operation or event is scheduled to begin. It denotes the exact time at which all previously allotted preparations, strategies, or actions are set to commence. The term "zero hour" is derived from the concept of counting down to zero on a timekeeping device, signifying the onset of an important undertaking.
In a military context, zero hour holds significant importance as the designated starting point of an attack, operation, or maneuver. It marks the commencement of a coordinated effort by a military force to engage the enemy, execute a specific objective, or launch a planned mission. During World War I and II, the term became widely used to denote the prearranged instant of a major offensive initiative.
Beyond military usage, the phrase zero hour has transcended into broader vernacular and is often employed metaphorically to describe a climactic moment or a critical juncture in various contexts. Whether in politics, business, or personal matters, zero hour symbolizes a decisive turning point, typically characterized by high stakes and impending consequences. It signifies the moment when critical actions or decisions are made, and the point of no return is reached.
Overall, zero hour is a term that denotes the specific time when a planned event or operation is scheduled to commence, with its origins rooted in military terminology. It serves as a powerful symbol of significant beginnings, representing the pivotal instant where actions or initiatives are set into motion, and the course of events may be irreversibly altered.
Common Misspellings for ZERO HOUR
- xero hour
- sero hour
- aero hour
- zwro hour
- zsro hour
- zdro hour
- zrro hour
- z4ro hour
- z3ro hour
- zeeo hour
- zedo hour
- zefo hour
- zeto hour
- ze5o hour
- ze4o hour
- zeri hour
- zerk hour
- zerl hour
- zerp hour
Etymology of ZERO HOUR
The term "zero hour" originated from military terminology and is used to refer to the moment when a planned military operation is scheduled to begin. The etymology of "zero hour" comes from the concept of measuring time in relation to a fixed point. The word "zero" comes from the Latin word "nulla", meaning "none" or "nothing". The timekeeping practice of using zero to mark the starting point of the day or an event can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians and Egyptians. Over time, this concept was adapted and incorporated into military strategies and planning, representing the precise moment when a military campaign or operation is set to begin, with all previous actions leading up to that point. Therefore, "zero hour" signifies the beginning or starting point of an action, particularly in the context of military operations.
Idioms with the word ZERO HOUR
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zero hour
"Zero hour" is a military term that refers to the time at which a planned operation or event is set to begin. In a general sense, it can also be used to describe a moment of crisis or decisive action that has been anticipated and prepared for.
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