Time is one of the most important aspects of our lives, and the English language is rich with expressions that capture its essence. Idioms about time are widely used to convey ideas about how we manage, value, or perceive time in everyday situations. These phrases go beyond their literal meanings, making your communication more engaging and relatable.
For English learners, understanding idioms about time is essential to improving fluency and adding depth to conversations. Whether you’re talking about deadlines, reminiscing about the past, or looking forward to the future, these idioms can help you express yourself with clarity and creativity.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common and useful idioms about time, along with their meanings and examples. By the end, you’ll have a valuable set of expressions to make your English more dynamic and natural. Let’s dive in!
Here’s a list of idioms about time, along with their meanings and examples, to help you enhance your English communication skills:
Time Flies
- Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly.
- Example: Time flies when you’re having fun with friends.
Beat the Clock
- Meaning: To finish something before the deadline.
- Example: We managed to beat the clock and submit the project on time.
Against the Clock
- Meaning: Rushing to do something before a deadline.
- Example: The team worked against the clock to finish the report before the meeting.
In the Nick of Time
- Meaning: Just in time or at the last possible moment.
- Example: She caught the train in the nick of time before it departed.
Once in a Blue Moon
- Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
- Example: We only get together for a family reunion once in a blue moon.
Time is Money
- Meaning: Time is valuable, so don’t waste it.
- Example: The manager reminded the staff that time is money during the meeting.
Around the Clock
- Meaning: Continuously, without stopping.
- Example: The hospital staff worked around the clock to care for patients.
Take Your Time
- Meaning: To do something without rushing.
- Example: There’s no need to hurry—take your time with the assignment.
Time will tell
- Meaning: The outcome of something will be revealed over time.
- Example: Only time will tell if the new strategy will be successful.
Ahead of time
- Meaning: Earlier than expected.
- Example: The students arrived ahead of time for the lecture.
A stitch in time saves nine
- Meaning: Fixing a small problem early can prevent bigger problems later.
- Example: Repairing the roof now is better—a stitch in time saves nine.
Kill time
- Meaning: To do something unimportant to pass the time while waiting.
- Example: I played a game on my phone to kill time before the flight.
Out of time
- Meaning: No time left to complete something.
- Example: We ran out of time before we could finish the exam.
Make time
- Meaning: To find time to do something, even if you’re busy.
- Example: It’s important to make time for family no matter how busy life gets.
At the eleventh hour
- Meaning: At the last possible moment.
- Example: The decision to save the company was made at the eleventh hour.
Lost track of time
- Meaning: To become unaware of the time.
- Example: I lost track of time while reading and missed the bus.
All in good time
- Meaning: Something will happen when the time is right.
- Example: Be patient, and everything will come together all in good time.
Time of your life
- Meaning: To have a very enjoyable experience.
- Example: She had the time of her life during her trip to Paris.
The right place at the right time
- Meaning: To be in the right situation to take advantage of an opportunity.
- Example: He was at the right place at the right time and landed the job.
Behind the times
- Meaning: Old-fashioned or not keeping up with modern trends.
- Example: His ideas about technology are behind the times.
Final Thoughts on Idioms About Time
Mastering idioms about time is an excellent way to enrich your English vocabulary and enhance your communication skills. These expressions not only help you convey ideas about time creatively but also make your speech and writing more engaging and relatable. From describing deadlines to emphasizing rare moments, time-related idioms are versatile tools you can use in various situations.
By practicing and using the idioms about time shared in this post, you’ll gain confidence in expressing yourself and better understand native speakers. Start incorporating these idioms into your daily conversations, and watch your English skills grow over time. Which idiom about time is your favorite? Share it with us in the comments below!
I hope this article helped you to learn useful English idioms about time.
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