deathbed conversion

Definitions

1. 1

   Acceptance of religious belief immediately before one dies, typically in a state of…

   Acceptance of religious belief immediately before one dies, typically in a state of anxiety or fear of the insecurity of what will happen to one in and after death.

   • Mr. Hitchens discussed the possibility of a deathbed conversion, insisting that the odds were slim that he would admit the existence of God.
2. 2

   An abrupt, last-minute change in one's professed beliefs, principles, or point of view in…

   An abrupt, last-minute change in one's professed beliefs, principles, or point of view in order to escape a serious threat or to increase one's chances of success.

   • The dilemma was how to propose a big tax cut and still look credible. Dole knew that the Democrats would mock him for a deathbed conversion.
   • "A deathbed conversion" was how Representative John LaFalce of New York State described the House Republicans' change of heart.
   • Gordon Brown's deathbed conversion to electoral reform may look like pure opportunism and widening the goalposts for his team just as the match kicks off.

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