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Expression Related To Time

This document defines and provides examples for 30 common expressions relating to time. Some of the expressions explained include "time flies" meaning time passes quickly, "it's high time" meaning it's the right or overdue time to do something, and "third time's a charm" meaning the third attempt at something will succeed. Other expressions covered include "beat the clock" meaning finish something before a deadline, "better late than never" meaning it's better to do something late than not at all, and "at the eleventh hour" meaning at the last possible moment.

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Abhimanyu Singh
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77 views5 pages

Expression Related To Time

This document defines and provides examples for 30 common expressions relating to time. Some of the expressions explained include "time flies" meaning time passes quickly, "it's high time" meaning it's the right or overdue time to do something, and "third time's a charm" meaning the third attempt at something will succeed. Other expressions covered include "beat the clock" meaning finish something before a deadline, "better late than never" meaning it's better to do something late than not at all, and "at the eleventh hour" meaning at the last possible moment.

Uploaded by

Abhimanyu Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Expressions Relating to Time

Time flies
Meaning: Time passes extremely quickly
Example: Look how fast our children grew up, how time flies.

It’s high time


Meaning: It’s the right time to do something, or past the appropriate time to do
something.
Example:It’s high time he met with me to resolve this issue.

Third time’s a charm


Meaning: The third time you do something it will finally work.
Example: I had to ask her out three times before she said yes. Well you know…
Third time’s a charm.

Beat the clock


Meaning: Finish something before time is up, before a deadline.
Example: Although she was late to the exam, she managed to beat the clock and
finished all of it 10 minutes before the end.

Better late than never


Meaning: Doing something late is better than not doing it at all. It can be used
sarcastically if someone is very late.
Example: Well hello John. Better late than never, huh? Class started half an hour
ago.

At the eleventh hour


Meaning: Almost too late or at the last possible moment.
Example: We barely made the deadline, there was so much to do in this project we
turned it in at the eleventh hour.

In the long run


Meaning: In the long term, over a long period of time.
Example: I hate having so much after school activities now, but I know in the long
run this will be beneficial for me.

Make up for lost time


Meaning: To catch up, to do something intensely to make up for a long period of not
doing it.
Example: Where have you been for so long? I ran into Katie, we had to make up for
lost time and talked for hours.

In the nick of time


Meaning: at the last possible moment, just before it’s too late.
Example: I made it to the wedding in the nick of time, I almost missed the ceremony.

Ship has sailed


Meaning: A lost opportunity, missed shot.
Example: I should call Annie, I’ve been thinking about her lately. Sorry Chad, that
ship has sailed. She got married last month.

Around the clock


Meaning: for 24 hours, without stopping.
Example: I know it’s very late, but I really feel ill. Do you know which pharmacy is
open around the clock?

Against the Clock


Meaning: Doing something against the clock means you are rushed and have very
little time to do it.
Example: I worked day and night against the clock to get this done on time, and
you’re being so ungrateful!

Call it a day
Meaning: To finish working on something, a day’s work’s been completed.
Example: We’ve been working for a long time on this with no progress. Let’s call it a
day and come with new ideas tomorrow.

In one stroke
Meaning: Immediately, at the same time.
Example: I went out to run errands and managed to do everything on one stroke.

Don’t Know Whether to Wind A Watch Or


Bark at the Moon
Meaning: Used when someone just doesn’t know what to do
Example: He has asked me to marry him and is still waiting for an answer, but I
don’t know whether to wind a watch or bark at the moon!.

Crack of Dawn
Meaning: Very early in the morning. The very first moments of sunrise.
Example: I wake up at the crack of dawn and go for a run every day.

Time is Money
Meaning: This famous expression means that your time is a valuable commodity,
and that you should put it to good use, otherwise you’ll lose more than you gain.
Example: It’s not worth waiting to hear back from that company. Time is money, you
should just start contacting other employees instead.
Hit the Big Time
Meaning: This means to become successful.
Example: After John hit the big time, he became very rich and forgot about all his old
friends.

Big Time
This simply means ‘very much’ or ‘a lot’.

You owe me big time because I helped you with your school project.

Not born yesterday


Meaning: Experienced, not naïve or easily fooled.
Example: You can’t expect me to believe that the vase broke itself. I wasn’t born
yesterday, you were playing ball with the dog in the house again!

Even A Broken/Stopped Clock is Right Twice


A Day
Meaning: This is used when people get lucky but don’t deserve it, or are
undeservedly successful.
Example: He definitely didn’t deserve to win the lottery, but even a stopped clock is
right twice a day.

Five ‘O’clock Shadow


Meaning: This is the term for the facial hair that a man gets if he doesn’t shave for a
day or two.
Example: You can’t go for your interview with a five ‘o’clock shadow! Go and have a
shave!

Make My Day
Meaning: If something makes your day it makes you happy or satisfies you.
Example: I just heard my favourite song on the radio and it made my day!
I hope I win the lottery tonight. It really would make my day!

On someone’s watch
Meaning: during the time that someone is in charge, while someone is on duty.
Example: Mark has got a bruise on his leg again. Why do kids always get hurt on
your watch?

Need of the Hour


Meaning: demand, essential, requirement, requisite
Example: If I am sick, then medicine/doctor is the need of hour

Hour of Need
Meaning: A time when someone really needs something, almost a final chance.
Example: I was there for him in his hour of need, but he hasn’t shown any sign of
offering to help me now that I need his support!

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