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Examples of Idioms About Time:

Common Phrases Explained
Idioms are neat little expressions that may not always make literal sense but are commonly understood by
people in the culture where they are used. In the English language, there are many common idioms about time.
Whatever time-related messages you want to relay, these idioms will make it fun.

Idioms About Making the Most of Time

Some time idioms are phrases focused on taking steps to make the best possible use of your time.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

This proverb means that one should make a little e ort now to x something small before it gets larger and
becomes more of a problem.

Example: You should x the leak now before it causes more damage. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine.

Good Timing

Something that has good timing occurs at a fortuitous time. It can lead to one being able to capitalize on a
timely opportunity.

Example: It's good timing that you applied for a job today, our cashier just turned in her notice.

Save Time

This phrase refers to nding shortcuts that will allow a task to be completed quickly. It is used for actions that
will allow one to minimize how long something takes to do.

Example: To save time, we took the toll road to the conference.

Time Is Precious

This time phrase is used to refer to how very valuable time really is.

Example: Appreciate what you have in front of you right now. After all, time is precious.

Time Is on My Side
This expression is used when one has plenty of time to complete a task or accomplish a goal.

Example: I have already completed the research for my term paper, so time is on my side.

Idioms About Timely Actions

Some idioms are phrases that focus on getting things done within a deadline or otherwise accomplishing results
within a short period of time.

Against the Clock

When you are rushing to get something completed in a small amount of time, that means you are working
against the clock.

Example: She was working against the clock to get her report done by the end of the day.

At a Set Time
This phrase refers to doing something at a speci c time that has been agreed upon.

Example: They agreed to meet at a set time so that there would be no confusion.

Beat The Clock

This idiom refers to doing something before the available or allocated time is up.

Example: He just beat the clock and got the article to print before six o'clock.

Better Late than Never

This idiom is used to acknowledge that something wasn't completed done in a timely manner but points out
that at least it was ultimately taken care of. The idea is that late completion is better than just not doing it at all.

Example: Sorry I missed dinner! At least I got here in time for dessert. It's better late than never.

In the Nick of Time

This rime phrase refers to getting something done just before the deadline or just before it would become
impossible to complete it. It means doing something with no time to spare.

Example: We got to the movie theater in the nick of time. The previews were nished but we didn't miss the
beginning of the movie.

Idioms About Particular Points in Time

Some time idioms refer to a particular point in time by the use of a phrase rather than a speci c time.

Crack of Dawn

This idiom refers to very early in the morning.

Example: She gets up at the crack of dawn every day to take the dog for a walk.

The Eleventh Hour

This phrase refers to having something happen at the very last minute.

Example: He had to cancel his trip at the eleventh hour, but still got a refund.

On the Dot

This phrase describes something happening at an exact time.

Example: He arrived at the interview on the dot.

Once in a Blue Moon

This phrase refers to something that happens very rarely.

Example: I will go to the club once in a blue moon to make my friends happy.

Idioms About The Passage of Time

Some idioms focus on describing how time passes. Whether something seems to happen very fast or if it seems
to take forever for time to pass, there's an idiom to describe what you want to express.

In the Blink of an Eye

This idiom is used to indicate that something seems to have happened very quickly.

Example: In the blink of an eye, he was o to college. Where has my baby gone?

Killing Time

When a person is doing something as a way to pass the time, this idiom is the perfect way to describe their
actions.

Example: We were killing time by singing silly songs until all the party guests arrived.

Like Sand Through an Hourglass

This idiom refers to the fast, regular passage of time.

Example: Every day seems to be gone faster than the one before. Time is slipping by like sand through an
hourglass.

Time Flies

This phrase is used to express that time passes by quickly.

Example: The kids were sad the party was over, but time ies when you are having fun.

Idioms About Regular Occurrences

Some idioms about times refer to things that happen multiple times.

Like Clockwork

This idiom can be used to describe something that happens regularly, either in predictable intervals or on a
regular schedule.

Example: The mail carrier is like clockwork, arriving at our house at noon every day.

Time After Time

When something takes place repeatedly, it can be described using this idiom about time.

Example: I have told him time after time to clean his room!

Set a Clock to It

This idiom refers to something that happens at the same time so often that one could use the event to tell what
time it is.

Example: My dog jumps on my o ce chair at 4 p.m. every day; you could set a clock to it.

More Idioms About Time

There are many other time idioms and time phrases that can be used to convey meaning in a gurative way.

Behind the Times

Something behind the times is old-fashioned or out-of-date.

Example: We still have cable TV in my house. My parents are so behind the times.

Do Time

This phrase refers to serving a prison sentence. One who is in prison is said to be "doing time."

Example: He had to do time after getting caught breaking into someone's home.

Too Much Time on One's Hands

This phrase is used to indicate that someone must not have enough to do to keep themselves occupied.

Example: My sister folded her socks and underwear. I think she has too much time on her hands.

Turn Back Time

This phrase about time is used to express that someone could go back to the past and relive what has already
occurred.

Example: I wish I could turn back time and redo my senior year of high school.

Wasting Time

This phrase refers to spending time doing something that serves no purpose.

Example: You are just wasting time with this rambling excuse.

Whale of a Time

This expression indicates that you are having a great time or are doing something that is really fun.

Example: We had a whale of a time on our trip to Disney World.

Expressions of Time
Idioms are often used to express concepts of time. Whether you want to make a witty statement about time or
are looking for a quick way to get your idea across, there are a wide variety of idioms to match your needs. Now
that you're familiar with these time idioms, expand your vocabulary with even more gures of speech. Start by
exploring a variety of common idioms and what they mean. From there, investigate some examples of
idioms about money.

Mary Gormandy White

M.A. Communication

MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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