high noon

Definitions

1. Exactly noon; midday (when the sun is at its highest).
   idiomatic
2. The zenith or apex of one's life or of a certain activity or era.
   figuratively, idiomatic
3. A time, set out in advance, at which an important decision is to be made or a nemesis is to be confronted.
   idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“The same streets that are inviting and quiet at high noon may be intimidating at night.”

“[…] whereas, ten years since, there were thousands who could not endure my lightest word of rebuke to the South, they can now easily swallow⟳ John Brown whole, and his rifle into the bargain. In firing his gun, he has merely told us what time of day it is. It is high noon, thank⟳ God!”

CEFR level