v.
- take and use (something belonging to someone else) with the intention of returning it.
▸take and use (money) from a person or bank under agreement to pay it back later.
- Golf allow (a certain distance) when playing a shot to compensate for a slope or other irregularity.
n.
Golf a slope or other irregularity on a golf course.
Phrase
- be
(living)
on borrowed time
be surviving against expectations. - borrow trouble
N. Amer. take needless action that may have detrimental effects.
Derivative
Usage
Some people confuse the two words lend and borrow: see usage at lend.
Etymology
OE borgian, of Gmc origin.