Time is one of the most important concepts that we encounter at every moment of our lives. Therefore, as in many languages, there are numerous idioms and expressions related to time in English as well. Time-related idioms help us understand the richness of the language and people’s relationship with time. In this blog post, we have gathered the most commonly used time-related idioms in English, along with their meanings and examples for you.
15 Idioms About Time
These idioms about time and their meanings will provide you with new expressions to use in your daily conversations.
1. Kill Time
Meaning: “Kill time” means to pass time or spend time idly while waiting for something.
Example: I killed time by watching a movie while I was waiting for him.
2. In The Nick of Time
Meaning: It is used to indicate that something is done at the exact moment it is needed or at the last possible moment.
Example: He made it to the airport in the nick of time.
3. Only Time Will Tell
Meaning: It is used to express that the truth or results of something will only become clear as time passes.
Example: Only time will tell whether I failed my exam or not.
4. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Used to describe something that happens very rarely.
Example: He calls me once in a blue moon, it’s been two months since we last talked.
5. Time is of The Essence
Meaning: This idiom is used to emphasize that time is limited and everything must be done promptly.
Example: Let’s start working on our project, time is of the essence.
6. All in Good Time
Meaning: This phrase is used to indicate that something will happen when the right moment arrives, and there is no need to hurry.
Example: Don’t worry, you’ll get the results all in good time.
7. A Whale of a Time
Meaning: To have a great time, to have fun.
Example: We had a whale of a time at my brother’s birthday party.
8. Time is On One’s Side
Meaning: This expression refers to people who do not need to worry about time. It means that they have enough time to accomplish what they want and there is no need to rush.
Example: He has three weeks to finish his essay, time is on his side.
9. Turn Back the Hands of Time
Meaning: This idiom is used to express the desire to go back to a previous time, often to undo mistakes or relive good memories.
Example: If I could turn back the hands of time, I would never have made the same mistakes.
10. A Matter of Time
Meaning: It means something will definitely happen, but it’s just a matter of waiting until it does.
Example: It’s only a matter of time before my mother finds out I broke the vase.
11. Crack of Dawn
Meaning: The very early morning, just as the sun starts to rise.
Example: We had to wake up at the crack of dawn to get on the plane.
12. Take Your Time
Meaning: To not hurry and to do something at your own pace, without rushing.
Example: Take your time, the deadline is next week.
13. Better Late Than Never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.
Example: You should still come, better late than never.
14. Time Flies
Meaning: This idiom means that time passes very quickly, often without us realizing it.
Example: Time flies when you’re having fun.
15. Against the Clock
Meaning: It is used to describe when you are racing to complete something before a deadline or within a limited amount of time.
Example: I had to finish my homework against the clock.
Example Sentences of Idioms About Time
– I play video games to kill time.
– She made it to class in the nick of time.
– Will the new TV show be successful? I guess only time will tell.
– My grandfather only visits us once in a blue moon.
– Let’s start cooking dinner, time is of the essence.
– You will get a chance, all in good time.
– You must have had a whale of a time in Paris.
– I started working on my project early so time is on my side.
– I wish I could turn back the hands of time and make a different decision.
– It’s a matter of time before she gets fired.
– I have to get up at the crack of dawn to go to school every day.
– Take your time, I can wait.
– You better hand in your homework from last week, better late than never.
– Time flies when I’m having fun with you.
– She was working against the clock to get the presentation ready for the meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Idioms About Time
Why are English idioms about time important?
Idioms related to time are important tools for speaking and writing English effectively. These idioms enrich the meaning in language and make expressions more lively.
Why do idioms about time exist?
Idioms about time exist because time is a universal concept that affects everyone, and they often express shared human experiences, cultural values, and insights in a figurative way. These idioms help to make language more colorful, relatable, and efficient in conveying complex ideas.
When can idioms about time be used?
Idioms about time can be used to indicate urgency, for patience, to describe rare events, or to emphasize the value of time. These idioms help make language more effective and rich.
Are idioms about time the same in every language?
No, idioms about time often differ between languages and cultures. While the underlying idea may be similar (such as the idea that time passes quickly), each language has its own unique expressions and ways of framing time. For example, the English idiom “time flies” may not have a direct equivalent in other languages but could be expressed in a different metaphorical way.
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