Crossword Genius

Almost too late when 48, nearly? (2,3,8,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at the eleventh hour

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'48 nearly?' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'almost too late' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'late' could be 'eleven' (I've seen this before) and 'eleven' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for at the eleventh hour that I've seen before include "Just in time" , "In the final moments" , "morning coffee?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app