60+ Time Idioms

Time Idioms

Time, that ever-elusive concept, has become a constant companion in our daily lives. It seems fitting then, that our language is brimming with idioms that capture the essence of time’s passage, its value, and its impact.

So, whether you’re feeling pressed for time or simply want to add some colorful expressions to your conversations, this blog is your one-stop shop for mastering time idioms!

List of Time Idioms

Time Idioms with Meaning and Examples

Against the clock

• Meaning: To be in a hurry, typically with a deadline approaching.
• Example: We have to finish this project against the clock.

Ahead of one’s time

• Meaning: To have ideas or opinions that are more modern or advanced than those of one’s contemporaries.
• Example: Leonardo da Vinci was ahead of his time in many aspects of science and engineering.

All in good time

• Meaning: Used to reassure someone that something will happen at the appropriate time.
• Example: Don’t worry, your promotion will come all in good time.

Beat the clock

• Meaning: To accomplish something before a deadline or time limit expires.
• Example: We managed to beat the clock and finish the project on time.

Behind the times

• Meaning: Outdated or old-fashioned.
• Example: His fashion sense is behind the times; he still wears clothes from the 90s.

Better late than never

• Meaning: It’s better to do something late than to not do it at all.
• Example: I know we’re late to the party, but better late than never, right?

By the time

• Meaning: At the time of; before reaching a certain stage.
• Example: By the time we arrived, the movie had already started.

Call time

• Meaning: To signal the end of an activity or event.
• Example: The referee called time on the match.

Crunch time

• Meaning: The period of time when pressure and stress are at their highest.
• Example: It’s crunch time now; we have to finish this project by the end of the day.

Day in, day out

• Meaning: Happening every day in a repetitive manner.
• Example: He works day in, day out to provide for his family.

Days are numbered

• Meaning: Used to indicate that someone or something will not last much longer.
• Example: The old factory’s days are numbered; it’s going to be demolished soon.

Do time

• Meaning: To spend time in prison or serving a sentence.
• Example: He did time for his involvement in the robbery.

Donkey’s years

• Meaning: A very long time.
• Example: I haven’t seen her in donkey’s years!

Every dog has its day

• Meaning: Everyone will have success or good fortune at some point in their lives.
• Example: I may not have won today, but every dog has its day.

For a rainy day

• Meaning: Saving something, especially money, for a time of need or difficulty.
• Example: I’m putting some money aside for a rainy day.

From time to time

• Meaning: Occasionally; now and then.
• Example: He visits us from time to time.

Have a whale of a time

• Meaning: To have an enjoyable and exciting time.
• Example: We had a whale of a time at the beach.

High time

• Meaning: The appropriate or necessary time.
• Example: It’s high time we started saving for our retirement.

In the nick of time

• Meaning: At the last possible moment.
• Example: He arrived just in the nick of time to catch his flight.

In time

• Meaning: With enough time to spare; not late.
• Example: She got to the meeting in time to hear the important announcements.

It’s about time

• Meaning: Used to indicate that something should have happened sooner.
• Example: It’s about time you started studying for your exams.

It’s high time

• Meaning: It’s past time; it’s appropriate or overdue.
• Example: It’s high time we replaced the old carpet.

Kill time

• Meaning: To spend time idly; to do something to make time pass more quickly.
• Example: We played games to kill time while waiting for the train.

Lost track of time

• Meaning: To be unaware of the time passed, often because one is engrossed in an activity.
• Example: I lost track of time while reading that book; it’s so engrossing.

Make up for lost time

• Meaning: To work harder or faster than usual to compensate for time lost.
• Example: After being sick for a week, she had to make up for lost time at work.

Mile a minute

• Meaning: Very fast; at a rapid pace.
• Example: She talks a mile a minute; I can barely keep up!

On borrowed time

• Meaning: Enjoying an extended period of life or existence that is likely to end soon.
• Example: After his cancer diagnosis, he knew he was living on borrowed time.

Once in a blue moon

• Meaning: Very rarely; on rare occasions.
• Example: He only comes to visit once in a blue moon.

Only a matter of time

• Meaning: Inevitable; certain to happen, although the timing is uncertain.
• Example: It’s only a matter of time before they find out the truth.

Out of date

• Meaning: No longer fashionable or relevant; obsolete.
• Example: That phone is out of date; everyone has the latest model now.

Play for time

• Meaning: To stall or delay something in order to gain an advantage or to wait for a more opportune moment.
• Example: He played for time while he tried to come up with a solution.

Time after time

• Meaning: Repeatedly; again and again.
• Example: He makes the same mistake time after time.

Time heals all wounds

• Meaning: The passage of time can help to ease emotional pain or distress.
• Example: I know it hurts now, but remember, time heals all wounds.

Time is money

• Meaning: Time is a valuable resource and should be used efficiently.
• Example: We need to finish this project quickly; time is money, after all.

Time is of the essence

• Meaning: Time is critical or extremely important.
• Example: We need to act quickly; time is of the essence.

Time on one’s hands

• Meaning: Having more free time than usual.
• Example: He had time on his hands after retiring, so he took up gardening.

Time out of mind

• Meaning: A very long time; beyond memory or recall.
• Example: The tradition has been followed since time out of mind.

Time’s up

• Meaning: The allotted time has expired or come to an end.
• Example: Time’s up! Please put your pencils down and pass your papers to the front.

Time to kill

• Meaning: Free or unoccupied time that one can use as they please.
• Example: I have some time to kill before my next appointment; let’s grab a coffee.

Time waits for no man

• Meaning: Time continues to pass without regard for anyone or anything; time is always moving forward.
• Example: You can’t procrastinate forever; time waits for no man.

Turn back the clock

• Meaning: To return to a previous period or state, often nostalgically.
• Example: I wish I could turn back the clock and relive my childhood.

Waste of time

• Meaning: Something that consumes time without producing any valuable results.
• Example: Watching TV all day is a waste of time; you should be doing something productive.

Watch the clock

• Meaning: To keep track of the time carefully, especially while waiting for something.
• Example: She watched the clock anxiously as she waited for her interview.

Work against the clock

• Meaning: To work quickly or urgently in order to complete something before a deadline.
• Example: We’re working against the clock to finish this project by tomorrow.

Year in, year out

• Meaning: Happening every year; consistently or without change over a long period of time.
• Example: Year in, year out, they celebrate their anniversary with a romantic dinner.

You can’t turn back the clock

• Meaning: You cannot change the past; once something has happened, it cannot be undone.
• Example: I regret my decision, but you can’t turn back the clock.

Time is ticking

• Meaning: Time is passing quickly, and action needs to be taken soon.
• Example: We need to make a decision; time is ticking, and the deadline is approaching.

In the fullness of time

• Meaning: Eventually; when the appropriate or necessary time has passed.
• Example: In the fullness of time, the truth will come out.

Marking time

• Meaning: Passing time aimlessly or waiting for something to happen.
• Example: He’s just been marking time in his current job; he’s waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

Not before time

• Meaning: Used to express the belief that something should have happened sooner.
• Example: The renovations are finally complete; it’s not before time!

In double time

• Meaning: At a faster pace than usual; with increased speed or urgency.
• Example: We need to get this project finished; let’s work in double time.

Time’s a wastin’

• Meaning: Used to urge someone to act quickly or make the most of the present moment.
• Example: Come on, let’s get going; time’s a wastin’!

Time out

• Meaning: A short break or pause, especially from work or a task.
• Example: I need to take a time out and clear my head.

Race against time

• Meaning: To work quickly in an attempt to complete something before a deadline or before time runs out.
• Example: We’re in a race against time to finish this project before the end of the month.

Seize the day

• Meaning: To make the most of the present moment without worrying about the future.
• Example: Let’s seize the day and go on that spontaneous road trip!

A stitch in time saves nine

• Meaning: Taking care of a problem early can prevent it from becoming a bigger problem later.
• Example: Fixing that leak now is a stitch in time that saves nine; otherwise, it could cause major damage.

On the dot

• Meaning: Exactly at the specified time; punctually.
• Example: The train is scheduled to depart at 9:00 AM on the dot.

Time marches on

• Meaning: Time continues to pass, regardless of what is happening or how people feel about it.
• Example: Despite our efforts to stop it, time marches on, and we have to adapt.

As time goes by

• Meaning: With the passing of time; gradually over time.
• Example: As time goes by, memories of our childhood become more distant.

A long time coming

• Meaning: Something that has been expected or anticipated for a considerable amount of time.
• Example: His promotion was a long time coming; he had been working hard for years.

So next time you’re talking about time, ditch the boring “later” and spice things up with a time idiom! You’ll not only sound more expressive, but you might also spark some interesting conversations about the ever-flowing river of time.

What’s your favorite time idiom? Share it in the comments and let’s keep the conversation flowing!

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