Time is a fascinating concept, often described in vivid and imaginative ways through idioms that capture its fleeting, precious, or relentless nature. Idioms for time add color and depth to our conversations, making discussions about schedules, deadlines, or the passage of years more engaging and relatable. In this comprehensive listicle, we’ll explore 54 idioms related to time, unravel their meanings, and provide examples of how they can be used to spice up your everyday dialogue. So, let’s embark on this journey through the sands of time and discover the linguistic treasures that await!
What is an Idiom for Time?
Idioms for time are figurative expressions that use creative language to describe various aspects of time, such as its speed, value, or inevitability. These phrases often convey complex ideas in a concise and memorable way, making them perfect for adding flair to conversations about deadlines, procrastination, or the passage of life. Let’s dive into each idiom, explore its meaning, and see it in action with a sentence that brings it to life.
Idioms for Time
1. Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
Meaning: Time seems to pass quickly when you’re enjoying yourself or engaged in an exciting activity.
In a Sentence: As they laughed and played games at the family reunion, Sarah remarked, “Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it?”
2. Beat the Clock
Meaning: To complete a task or reach a goal before a deadline or time limit expires.
In a Sentence: With only minutes to spare, the team worked tirelessly to beat the clock and submit their project proposal.
3. Time Is Money
Meaning: Time is a valuable resource, and wasting it is equivalent to wasting money.
In a Sentence: Realizing that every minute spent procrastinating was costly, he reminded himself that time is money and got to work.
4. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just before it’s too late, or at the last possible moment.
In a Sentence: The ambulance arrived in the nick of time, saving the patient from a critical situation.
5. Time and Tide Wait for No Man
Meaning: Time continues to pass regardless of anyone’s actions or desires, and opportunities must be seized when they arise.
In a Sentence: Knowing that time and tide wait for no man, she decided to pursue her dreams before it was too late.
6. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
Meaning: Taking care of a problem early prevents it from becoming a bigger issue later.
In a Sentence: By addressing the small leak in the roof immediately, they followed the adage that a stitch in time saves nine.
7. Kill Time
Meaning: To spend time doing something unimportant or unproductive while waiting for something else.
In a Sentence: While waiting for the delayed train, she decided to kill time by browsing through her favorite book.
8. Time Is of the Essence
Meaning: Time is critical, and acting quickly is necessary to achieve a goal or avoid problems.
In a Sentence: With the deadline approaching rapidly, the manager stressed that time is of the essence and urged the team to focus.
9. Behind the Times
Meaning: Being outdated or not keeping up with current trends, ideas, or technology.
In a Sentence: His reluctance to adopt new software left him behind the times in a fast-evolving industry.
10. Time Heals All Wounds
Meaning: Emotional pain or hurt diminishes with the passage of time.
In a Sentence: Though heartbroken now, she took comfort in knowing that time heals all wounds and she would feel better eventually.
11. On the Clock
Meaning: Being actively engaged in work or a task during paid or scheduled time.
In a Sentence: As soon as she arrived at the office, she was on the clock, tackling the day’s assignments with focus.
12. Race Against Time
Meaning: A situation where someone is rushing to complete something before a deadline or before time runs out.
In a Sentence: The rescue team was in a race against time to find the missing hikers before nightfall.
13. Turn Back the Hands of Time
Meaning: To wish to return to an earlier period in life or undo past events, often with a sense of nostalgia.
In a Sentence: Looking at old photos, he longed to turn back the hands of time and relive his carefree childhood days.
14. Time’s Up
Meaning: The allotted time for a task, event, or opportunity has ended.
In a Sentence: When the buzzer sounded, the teacher announced, “Time’s up, please put your pencils down.”
15. Make Up for Lost Time
Meaning: To compensate for time that was wasted or missed by working harder or acting more quickly.
In a Sentence: After being away for years, she tried to make up for lost time by spending every weekend with her family.
16. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely or infrequently.
In a Sentence: He only visits his hometown once in a blue moon, so everyone was thrilled to see him.
17. The Time Is Ripe
Meaning: The perfect moment or opportunity for something to happen has arrived.
In a Sentence: With the market booming, she decided that the time is ripe to launch her new business venture.
18. Against the Clock
Meaning: Working hurriedly to meet a deadline or finish a task within a limited time frame.
In a Sentence: The chefs were working against the clock to prepare the banquet before the guests arrived.
19. Time Out of Mind
Meaning: Referring to a time so long ago that it is beyond memory or record.
In a Sentence: The ancient ruins had stood there for time out of mind, captivating historians and travelers alike.
20. Keep Time
Meaning: To track or measure time accurately, often referring to a clock or a person’s sense of rhythm.
In a Sentence: Her old pocket watch still kept time perfectly, ticking steadily through the years.
21. Bide Your Time
Meaning: To wait patiently for the right moment to act or seize an opportunity.
In a Sentence: Instead of rushing into a decision, he chose to bide his time until the circumstances were more favorable.
22. Time Will Tell
Meaning: The truth or outcome of a situation will become clear as time passes.
In a Sentence: Whether the new strategy would succeed was uncertain, but time will tell if it was the right move.
23. In the Blink of an Eye
Meaning: Something that happens extremely quickly or in an instant.
In a Sentence: The summer vacation passed in the blink of an eye, leaving her wishing for more carefree days.
24. Time on Your Hands
Meaning: Having extra or free time with nothing specific to do.
In a Sentence: With no assignments due, she suddenly had time on her hands and decided to start a new hobby.
25. Crunch Time
Meaning: A critical period when pressure is high to complete a task or meet a deadline.
In a Sentence: With the project due tomorrow, it was crunch time, and the team stayed late to finish it.
26. Borrowed Time
Meaning: Living or continuing beyond the expected or allotted time, often with a sense of urgency or fragility.
In a Sentence: After surviving the accident, he felt he was living on borrowed time and cherished every moment.
27. Time After Time
Meaning: Repeatedly or consistently over a period of time.
In a Sentence: Time after time, she proved her reliability by meeting every deadline with exceptional work.
28. Stand the Test of Time
Meaning: To remain valuable, relevant, or effective over a long period.
In a Sentence: Classic literature continues to stand the test of time, captivating readers across generations.
29. A Matter of Time
Meaning: Something that is inevitable and will happen eventually, though the exact timing is uncertain.
In a Sentence: With their dedication, it was only a matter of time before they achieved their goals.
30. Time Is a Great Healer
Meaning: Similar to “time heals all wounds,” it suggests that emotional or physical pain lessens with time.
In a Sentence: Though the loss was devastating, she found solace in the belief that time is a great healer.
31. In Your Own Time
Meaning: To do something at your own pace, without pressure to hurry.
In a Sentence: The instructor encouraged the students to complete the exercise in their own time, ensuring they understood the material.
32. Time to Kill
Meaning: Having extra time to spend idly or without a specific purpose.
In a Sentence: Arriving early at the airport, they had time to kill and wandered through the shops.
33. At the Eleventh Hour
Meaning: At the very last moment, just before it’s too late.
In a Sentence: The deal was finalized at the eleventh hour, just as everyone thought negotiations would fail.
34. Time Is Ticking
Meaning: A reminder that time is running out and action must be taken quickly.
In a Sentence: With the exam approaching, she felt the pressure as time was ticking relentlessly.
35. Lose Track of Time
Meaning: To become so engrossed in an activity that you forget how much time has passed.
In a Sentence: While painting, she lost track of time and was surprised to see it was already midnight.
36. Around the Clock
Meaning: Happening continuously, without stopping, for 24 hours a day.
In a Sentence: The emergency hotline operates around the clock to assist those in need at any hour.
37. Time Stands Still
Meaning: A moment or experience feels so intense or significant that time seems to pause.
In a Sentence: As they watched the sunset together, it felt like time stood still in that perfect moment.
38. In Due Time
Meaning: At the appropriate or expected time, without rushing or delay.
In a Sentence: She was eager for results, but her mentor assured her that success would come in due time.
39. Pressed for Time
Meaning: Having very little time to complete a task or meet a deadline.
In a Sentence: Pressed for time, he quickly skimmed the report before the meeting started.
40. Time Is Running Out
Meaning: The available time to complete something is quickly diminishing.
In a Sentence: With the competition nearing its end, time was running out for them to perfect their performance.
41. Give It Time
Meaning: To allow time to pass in order for a situation to improve or resolve.
In a Sentence: The new software was tricky to learn, but her colleague advised her to give it time and practice.
42. In the Heat of the Moment
Meaning: Acting impulsively during a highly emotional or intense situation without considering the consequences.
In a Sentence: In the heat of the moment, he agreed to take on extra work, only to regret it later.
43. Time Is a Thief
Meaning: Time passes quickly and takes away opportunities or youth without you noticing.
In a Sentence: Looking at her old diary, she sighed, realizing that time is a thief that steals moments forever.
44. Mark Time
Meaning: To wait or delay progress until the right moment or opportunity arises.
In a Sentence: While waiting for the perfect job offer, she marked time by taking freelance projects.
45. Time and Again
Meaning: Repeatedly or frequently over time.
In a Sentence: Time and again, he reminded his team to double-check their work for accuracy.
46. Buy Time
Meaning: To delay an event or decision to gain more time to prepare or act.
In a Sentence: By asking for an extension, she hoped to buy time to perfect her presentation.
47. High Time
Meaning: The moment has come, or it is long overdue, for something to happen.
In a Sentence: After years of neglect, it was high time they renovated the old community center.
48. Time Is on Your Side
Meaning: You have plenty of time to achieve your goals or wait for the right opportunity.
In a Sentence: At her young age, time is on her side to explore different career paths without rushing.
49. In No Time
Meaning: Very quickly or in a short amount of time.
In a Sentence: With her efficient study habits, she mastered the topic in no time and aced the test.
50. Out of Time
Meaning: No more time is available to complete a task or meet a deadline.
In a Sentence: Despite their best efforts, they ran out of time to finish the puzzle before the competition ended.
51. Time to Spare
Meaning: Having extra time left after completing a task or before a deadline.
In a Sentence: Finishing the project early, they had time to spare and decided to review their work thoroughly.
52. The Sands of Time
Meaning: A poetic reference to the unstoppable passage of time, often with a sense of inevitability.
In a Sentence: As the years passed, they watched the sands of time slip through their fingers, cherishing every moment.
53. Take Your Time
Meaning: To proceed slowly or at your own pace without feeling rushed.
In a Sentence: The coach encouraged the new player to take her time learning the complex plays.
54. Time Waits for No One
Meaning: Time continues to move forward regardless of anyone’s readiness or circumstances.
In a Sentence: Realizing that time waits for no one, he seized the opportunity to travel the world while he was still young.
Quizzes About The Idioms in The Article
Quiz 1: Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
What does the idiom “Time flies when you’re having fun” mean?
a) Time slows down during enjoyable moments
b) Time passes quickly when you’re enjoying yourself
c) Time feels heavy during fun activities
d) Time stops when you’re happy
Quiz 2: A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
What is the meaning of “A stitch in time saves nine”?
a) Sewing is a time-consuming task
b) Addressing a problem early prevents bigger issues
c) Time management is unimportant
d) Small tasks are irrelevant
Quiz 3: Time Is Money
When someone says, “Time is money,” what are they emphasizing?
a) The value of wasting time
b) The importance of spending money wisely
c) The equivalence of time and financial resources
d) The need to avoid work
Quiz 4: In the Nick of Time
What does the idiom “In the nick of time” suggest?
a) Completing a task too early
b) Acting just before it’s too late
c) Missing a deadline
d) Ignoring time constraints
Quiz 5: Time Heals All Wounds
What situation is described by the idiom “Time heals all wounds”?
a) Physical injuries heal instantly
b) Emotional pain fades with time
c) Time creates more pain
d) Healing requires medical intervention
Quiz 6: Crunch Time
If someone refers to “crunch time,” what do they mean?
a) A relaxed period with no pressure
b) A critical moment to meet a deadline
c) A time for casual activities
d) A moment to take a break
Quiz 7: Once in a Blue Moon
What does the expression “Once in a blue moon” imply?
a) Something that happens frequently
b) Something that occurs very rarely
c) A daily routine
d) A predictable event
Quiz 8: Race Against Time
When is it appropriate to say, “Race against time”?
a) When taking a leisurely approach
b) When rushing to meet a deadline
c) When ignoring time limits
d) When planning a vacation
Quiz 9: Time Stands Still
What is the meaning of “Time stands still”?
a) A moment feels so significant that time seems to pause
b) Time moves faster than usual
c) Time is irrelevant
d) Time reverses during intense moments
Quiz 10: Time Is on Your Side
When someone says, “Time is on your side,” what are they encouraging you to do?
a) Rush to make decisions
b) Take advantage of having plenty of time
c) Ignore deadlines
d) Procrastinate indefinitely
Answers:
- b
- b
- c
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
- a
- b
Conclusion
Idioms for time are like linguistic snapshots, capturing the essence of how we perceive and experience the passage of moments, hours, and years. Whether you’re racing against the clock, savoring a moment where time stands still, or reminding yourself that time is a thief, these expressions add richness and creativity to your conversations. Next time you’re discussing a tight deadline or reflecting on the fleeting nature of life, sprinkle in a few of these idioms to make your words as timeless as the concepts they describe.