Idioms for time capture the essence of our experiences and perceptions related to time. They offer colorful expressions that convey urgency, patience, and the fleeting nature of moments. Understanding these idioms can enrich our communication, making it more vivid and relatable.
In this article, we’ll explore 38 idioms that reflect various aspects of time. From the importance of seizing opportunities to the inevitability of change, these phrases will help you articulate your thoughts and feelings about time in a more engaging way.
Idioms for Time
1. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly, often without notice.
In a Sentence: I can’t believe it’s already December; time flies when you’re having fun!
Other Ways to Say: Time passes quickly, the days slip away.
2. Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable and should be used wisely.
In a Sentence: We need to start this project soon; remember, time is money!
Other Ways to Say: Time equals value, every moment counts.
3. Kill time
Meaning: To spend time doing something unproductive while waiting for something else.
In a Sentence: I read a book to kill time before my appointment.
Other Ways to Say: Pass the time, waste time.
4. Time will tell
Meaning: The truth or outcome of a situation will become clear over time.
In a Sentence: We’ll see if the new strategy works; time will tell.
Other Ways to Say: The future will reveal, only time will show.
5. A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Taking prompt action can prevent larger problems later.
In a Sentence: Fixing that leak now is important; a stitch in time saves nine.
Other Ways to Say: Act promptly, early action prevents bigger issues.
6. Time is of the essence
Meaning: Importance is placed on completing something quickly.
In a Sentence: With the deadline approaching, remember, time is of the essence!
Other Ways to Say: Urgency is key, swift action required.
7. Against the clock
Meaning: Rushed or under pressure to complete something before a deadline.
In a Sentence: We’re working against the clock to finish this project on time.
Other Ways to Say: Pressed for time, racing against time.
8. Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
In a Sentence: He finally submitted his report; better late than never!
Other Ways to Say: It’s never too late, delayed action is still valuable.
9. Time heals all wounds
Meaning: Emotional pain or difficulties lessen with time.
In a Sentence: After the breakup, she was sad, but time heals all wounds.
Other Ways to Say: Healing comes with time, patience cures pain.
10. Like clockwork
Meaning: Something happens regularly and reliably.
In a Sentence: The trains arrive like clockwork every morning.
Other Ways to Say: Predictably, reliably.
11. The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Those who take action early have an advantage.
In a Sentence: She always gets the best deals; the early bird catches the worm!
Other Ways to Say: Early risers succeed, prompt action pays off.
12. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time; at the last possible moment.
In a Sentence: He arrived in the nick of time to catch the bus.
Other Ways to Say: Just in time, at the last moment.
13. Time to hit the road
Meaning: It’s time to leave or depart.
In a Sentence: We should get going; it’s time to hit the road!
Other Ways to Say: Time to leave, time to set off.
14. Time is a healer
Meaning: Time helps to recover from pain or difficulties.
In a Sentence: After losing his job, he took a few months off; time is a healer.
Other Ways to Say: Time brings healing, healing comes with patience.
15. At the eleventh hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment before something happens.
In a Sentence: They made changes to the proposal at the eleventh hour.
Other Ways to Say: Last minute, just before the deadline.
16. Time waits for no man
Meaning: Time continues to pass regardless of what happens.
In a Sentence: Don’t procrastinate; time waits for no man!
Other Ways to Say: Time is relentless, time moves on.
17. All in good time
Meaning: Everything will happen when it should; patience is key.
In a Sentence: You’ll get your chance; all in good time.
Other Ways to Say: In due time, everything has its moment.
18. Time flies when you’re having fun
Meaning: Time seems to pass quickly during enjoyable moments.
In a Sentence: Our vacation ended too soon; time flies when you’re having fun!
Other Ways to Say: Enjoyment speeds time, good times pass quickly.
19. A matter of time
Meaning: It is inevitable that something will happen eventually.
In a Sentence: It’s just a matter of time before they find out.
Other Ways to Say: Inevitable occurrence, it will happen eventually.
20. Idioms for Time Save time
Meaning: To make efforts to reduce the time needed for something.
In a Sentence: Using shortcuts can save time during the project.
Other Ways to Say: Conserve time, reduce time spent.
21. Idioms for Time Time out
Meaning: A short break from an activity or situation.
In a Sentence: Let’s take a time out to regroup before continuing.
Other Ways to Say: Break, pause.
22. Time and tide wait for no man
Meaning: Important opportunities should not be delayed.
In a Sentence: Don’t hesitate; remember, time and tide wait for no man.
Other Ways to Say: Opportunities pass quickly, don’t miss chances.
23. Time to call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
In a Sentence: I’ve done enough work; it’s time to call it a day.
Other Ways to Say: End the day, wrap up for the day.
24. Time is on your side
Meaning: You have enough time to achieve something or make a decision.
In a Sentence: Don’t rush; time is on your side in this project.
Other Ways to Say: You have the luxury of time, time favors you.
25. Make time for
Meaning: To find time to do something despite a busy schedule.
In a Sentence: You need to make time for self-care.
Other Ways to Say: Prioritize time for, allocate time for.
26. Time to face the music
Meaning: To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
In a Sentence: After skipping class, it’s time to face the music.
Other Ways to Say: Confront reality, accept the consequences.
27. Time to turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To make a fresh start or change for the better.
In a Sentence: After the incident, he decided it was time to turn over a new leaf.
Other Ways to Say: Start anew, make a fresh start.
28. Lost track of time
Meaning: To forget what time it is, often due to being engrossed in something.
In a Sentence: I lost track of time while watching the movie.
Other Ways to Say: Time slipped away, forgot the hour.
29. Time to move on
Meaning: To let go of the past and progress forward.
In a Sentence: It’s been a year; it’s time to move on from that relationship.
Other Ways to Say: Advance, progress forward.
30. A race against time
Meaning: A situation where someone must hurry to complete something before a deadline.
In a Sentence: The rescue team was in a race against time to find the survivors.
Other Ways to Say: Pressed for time, urgency to finish.
31. Time to put your feet up
Meaning: Time to relax and take a break.
In a Sentence: After a long week, it’s time to put your feet up.
Other Ways to Say: Relax, take a breather.
32. Time to get your act together
Meaning: It’s time to organize oneself or improve behavior.
In a Sentence: You need to get your act together before the exams.
Other Ways to Say: Shape up, pull yourself together.
33. Time to cross that bridge when you come to it
Meaning: To deal with a problem when it arises rather than worrying in advance.
In a Sentence: I’m not going to stress about that; I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Other Ways to Say: Deal with it later, address it when necessary.
34. Time to take the plunge
Meaning: To make a decision to do something significant or risky.
In a Sentence: After much thought, she decided it was time to take the plunge and start her own business.
Other Ways to Say: Make the leap, go for it.
35. Idioms for Time A question of time
Meaning: Something is likely to happen, but it’s uncertain when.
In a Sentence: It’s just a question of time before we see results from the new policy.
Other Ways to Say: Inevitable occurrence, it will happen eventually.
36. Time to get back on track
Meaning: To return to a planned course of action after a setback.
In a Sentence: After the delay, it’s time to get back on track with the project.
Other Ways to Say: Regain focus, return to the plan.
37. Time to take a step back
Meaning: To reassess a situation from a distance.
In a Sentence: I need to take a step back and reconsider my options.
Other Ways to Say: Re-evaluate, gain perspective.
38. Time to get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start an activity or process.
In a Sentence: We need to get the ball rolling on this project right away.
Other Ways to Say: Start the process, initiate action.
Quiz on Idioms for Time
1. What does the idiom “time flies” mean?
a) Time is slow
b) Time passes quickly
c) Time is stagnant
d) Time is irrelevant
Answer: b) Time passes quickly
2. “Time is money” suggests what?
a) Time is unimportant
b) Time should be valued
c) Money can buy time
d) Time is irrelevant
Answer: b) Time should be valued
3. The phrase “kill time” refers to:
a) Making time productive
b) Spending time unproductively
c) Saving time
d) Discovering time
Answer: b) Spending time unproductively
4. “Better late than never” implies:
a) Being late is acceptable
b) It’s better to do something late than not at all
c) Timing is crucial
d) Time should not be wasted
Answer: b) It’s better to do something late than not at all
5. What does “time to hit the road” mean?
a) Time to relax
b) Time to leave
c) Time to work
d) Time to eat
Answer: b) Time to leave
Conclusion
Idioms for time provide rich and colorful ways to express our relationship with time. They help us communicate urgency, patience, and the inevitable passage of moments. By incorporating these idioms, we can enhance our conversations, making them more engaging and relatable. Understanding these expressions allows us to articulate feelings about time effectively, capturing the essence of our experiences in memorable ways.Share
Carla Jones is an expert blogger in English Language Teaching, sharing innovative strategies and insights to empower educators and enhance language learning experiences for students worldwide.
