Each language has a novel assortment of expressions which might be simply understood by fluent audio system however could also be onerous for these much less aware of the language to parse. These sayings, often called idioms, include meanings that aren’t wholly apparent by defining the phrases individually.

As an example, for those who’re absorbed in a e book or deep in dialog, and also you look at your watch and notice it’s a lot later than you thought, you may exclaim, “Time flies!” In fact, time didn’t sprout wings and fly away, however it may really feel prefer it did as a result of it handed so shortly. It’s figurative, it’s visible, and it’s evocative—and it’s in all probability strange-sounding to these studying the language!

Idioms cowl a variety of frequent ideas, such because the office, climate, and cash. And just like the one above, there are additionally many idioms that specific ideas of time.

As we dive into this matter, we’ll outline what an idiom is and why idioms could be difficult for language learners. We’ll additionally record some examples of idioms about time.

What’s an idiom about time?

An idiom is a typical saying that has that means in its personal tradition or language however doesn’t make a lot sense when damaged down into its particular person elements. Idioms about time can be utilized in lots of eventualities, resembling to explain the passage of time (“time stands nonetheless for nobody”), to reference a specific time limit (“on the eleventh hour”), or to explain common occurrences (“like clockwork”).

It’s not stunning that most of the hottest idioms about time describe time passing too shortly, however in the end, idioms about time are inventive sayings that debate particular moments or events figuratively.

15 idioms about time

Now that you recognize all about idioms, it’s excessive time to reveal a number of the hottest idioms about time. No matter time-related message you’re attempting to get throughout, these idioms will assist you make it enjoyable.

1
Beat the clock

Which means: To achieve one thing earlier than working out of time.

Instance: In a determined try and beat the clock, I raced to the put up workplace to mail my faculty software earlier than the ultimate deadline.

2
Flip again the palms of time

Which means: To recount, re-create, or return to the previous.

Instance: If I might flip again the palms of time, I might be sure to placed on sunscreen earlier than going exterior day by day.

3
As soon as in a blue moon

Which means: One thing that occurs not often.

Instance: Due to the tight funds, our supervisor buys donuts for the workplace as soon as in a blue moon.

4
Kill time

Which means: To interact in a quite aimless or idle exercise with the purpose of constructing time go extra shortly.

Instance: After my flight was delayed an additional hour, I managed to kill time within the airport by perusing the duty-free retailers.

5
A sew in time saves 9

Which means: Full a process correctly and completely the primary time to keep away from an even bigger drawback later.

Instance: If I have been you, I’d put an additional screw in that wooden to make it safer as a result of a sew in time saves 9.

6
Time is on my facet

Which means: To have the luxurious of not having to fret about how lengthy one thing will take.

Instance: We don’t should make the ultimate determination till subsequent week, so time is on our facet.

7
Higher late than by no means

Which means: Doing one thing late is healthier than not doing it in any respect.

Instance: Misha didn’t arrive till halftime—higher late than by no means!

8
Within the nick of time

Which means: Getting one thing carried out simply earlier than the deadline; finishing a process with no time to spare.

Instance: I stayed up all evening, however I used to be in a position to end my historical past class essay within the nick of time.

9
Break of day

Which means: Early within the morning.

Instance: Kyle is all the time up on the morning time; Amanda is extra of an evening owl and likes to sleep in.

10
Solely time will inform

Which means: The reality or reply can be decided sooner or later and isn’t knowable but.

Instance: Solely time will inform whether or not Jamie made the best selection in leaving their job.

11
An excessive amount of time on my palms

Which means: To have an excessive amount of free time accessible with out something urgent to do.

Instance: Since she retired, she’s had an excessive amount of time on her palms and spends most of her days watching previous motion pictures.

12
A whale of a time

Which means: To take pleasure in your self very a lot.

Instance: To rejoice my birthday, we went to a karaoke bar final evening and had a whale of a time.

13
Dwelling on borrowed time

Which means: To proceed residing after some extent if you may simply have died.

Instance: Ever since his a hundred and first birthday, he appears like he’s residing on borrowed time.

14
All in good time

Which means: One thing coveted or hoped for will occur finally, as soon as a sure period of time has handed.

Instance: Be affected person! You’ll get your examination rating all in good time.

15
Time is of the essence

Which means: Time is proscribed and deadlines have to be met; fulfilling one thing in a well timed method is of the utmost significance.

Instance: To maintain our prospects completely satisfied, you want to fulfill the orders and keep in mind that time is of the essence!