Time is a fundamental element woven into the fabric of our lives. It shapes our experiences and our language. Idioms about time illustrate how we perceive and handle this inexorable force. Here are 20 common time-related idioms, each accompanied by a succinct meaning and a brief example.
Idioms About Time
1. Against the Clock
Meaning: Rushing to meet a deadline.
Example: She raced against the clock to finish the report.
2. Better Late Than Never
Meaning: Doing something late is better than not doing it.
Example: He finally apologized—better late than never.
3. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just before time runs out.
Example: He caught the bus in the nick of time.
4. Time Flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly.
Example: Look how fast our kids grew up, time flies!
5. On Borrowed Time
Meaning: Living with an unexpected extension.
Example: After the diagnosis, he was on borrowed time.
6. Killing Time
Meaning: Doing something to pass time.
Example: I was just killing time with a book.
7. A Race Against Time
Meaning: Hurrying to beat a deadline.
Example: Saving the old building was a race against time.
8. Time Heals All Wounds
Meaning: Problems resolve over time.
Example: She found peace as time healed all wounds.
9. Time Is of the Essence
Meaning: Hurry is necessary.
Example: We must decide now, time is of the essence.
10. Only Time Will Tell
Meaning: The future will reveal the truth.
Example: Will it work? Only time will tell.
11. Time Stands Still
Meaning: Everything stops.
Example: When I saw her, time stood still.
12. Ahead of Time
Meaning: Early or before a set time.
Example: She finished the task ahead of time.
13. Behind the Times
Meaning: Outdated or old-fashioned.
Example: His tech skills are behind the times.
14. Bide Your Time
Meaning: Wait patiently for the right moment.
Example: He bided his time until the price dropped.
15. Big Time
Meaning: A major way or degree.
Example: He succeeded big time with his new café.
16. Crunch Time
Meaning: A period when pressure to succeed is high.
Example: It’s crunch time for the final exam.
17. From Time to Time
Meaning: Occasionally.
Example: I still see him from time to time.
18. Long Time No See
Meaning: It’s been a while since we last met.
Example: Long time no see! How have you been?
19. Make Up for Lost Time
Meaning: To catch up.
Example: After being sick, she had to make up for lost time.
20. Time’s Up
Meaning: No more time left.
Example: Time’s up, please turn in your tests.
