The walk began about half an hour late because it took longer than expected to depressurize the new airlock so the astronauts could step out into space.

CNN: Astronauts complete final spacewalk

Similarly, if invited for dinner at 9pm, showing up half an hour late is fine, unless the host specifically requests punctuality (in which case arrive around ten past).

ECONOMIST: Gulliver | The

In the end Mr Huhne was nearly half an hour late for his announcement because he had been speaking in the opposition day debate in the Commons on the Blue Tongue outbreak.

BBC: Sketch

As a medical student, I once worked in a pediatric oncology office that ran at least an hour and a half late every day.

CNN: Long wait at the doctor's office? Blame the patients

The 31-year-old had to train alone after arriving at Real's Valdebebas headquarters an hour-and-a-half late and may be fined by boss Fabio Capello.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Europe | Beckham late for Madrid training

You have to wait half an hour for that revelation, and it's too late.

BBC: Liar

Scrum-half Rory Lawson, a late call up for Blair last weekend, played for an hour in the 9-8 triumph over the Wallabies and retains his place on the bench.

BBC: MacDonald to make Scotland debut