At an unearthly hour

usgb
phrase

Very early in the morning or very late at night.

He leaves for work at an unearthly hour, around 4 AM.
Visual representation of "at an unearthly hour" - Very early in the morning or very late at night

Often appears as...

  • wake up at an unearthly hour
  • leave at an unearthly hour

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "at an unearthly hour"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't specify an exact time but suggests it's a time when people usually sleep.

Illustration for Not Literal
I heard a noise at an unearthly hour, but no one was there.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

It often implies inconvenience or discomfort due to the abnormal timing.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
She was not happy to start her journey at an unearthly hour.
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Idiomatic Usage

Used in casual contexts, not suitable for formal writing unless it's a narrative.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
We sneak out of the house at an unearthly hour for the trip.
Visual representation of the word "At an unearthly hour"

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