Language turns into more colorful and expressive while we use idioms—those smart terms that carry meanings past the literal. Among the various styles of idioms, time-related idioms stand out for how regularly they appear in our everyday conversations.
Think about terms like “time flies” or “beat the clock.” These expressions P.C. Brilliant imagery and meaning into only some words. They assist us talk about urgency, put off, passing moments, and existence’s fleeting nature simply and flair.
In this article, we’ll take a better look at some of the most famous idioms. Whether you are seeking to enhance your English talents or really experience the richness of language, these expressions will provide you with a sparkling attitude on how we think—and communicate—about time.
Idioms for Time
1. Against the Clock
Meaning: Completing a venture with constrained time available.
Example: Emma ends up taking walks in opposition to the clock to area up her project earlier than nighttime.
Alternate Phrases: Racing the closing date, Working underneath time pressure
2. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Something that takes the vicinity very no longer frequently.
Example: We dine out at fancy eating places most effectively as quickly as in a blue moon.
Alternate Phrases: Seldom, Hardly ever
3. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just in advance that it’s too overdue.
Example: He submitted his college software program in the nick of time.
Alternate Phrases: Just below the cord, At the final 2nd
4. Time Flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass properly.
Example: It feels similar to the vacations coming and going in a flash—time virtually flies.
Alternate Phrases: Time zooms thru, Time slips away
5. Time is Money
Meaning: Time is a precious beneficial useful resource and must now not be wasted.
Example: My boss believes in performance—he constantly says time is cash.
Alternate Phrases: Use time accurately, Every 2d counts
See also “Motivational Idioms That Drive Success“
6. In the Long Run
Meaning: Over an extended period or after some time.
Example: Regular exercise exercise workout routines may additionally moreover seem tough now, but they’ll help ultimately.
Alternate Phrases: Eventually, Over time
7. Better Late Than Never
Meaning: It’s most suitable to do a little hassle overdue than in no manner.
Example: He ultimately apologized—higher past due than never.
Alternate Phrases: At least it befell, Late remains better than in no way
8. Time After Time
Meaning: Repeatedly, again and again.
Example: She tried time after time to repair the mistake in her code.
Alternate Phrases: Over and over, Consistently
9. In the Meantime
Meaning: While searching for 3 issues to rise up.
Example: The film hasn’t started out but—allow’s to draw close some snacks inside the interim.
Alternate Phrases: Meanwhile, During the wait
10. Time Will Tell
Meaning: Only destiny will reveal the fact or very last effects.
Example: Whether the selection changed into proper—handiest time will tell.
Alternate Phrases: We’ll see, The destiny will show
11. Behind the Times
Meaning: Outdated or not retaining up with cutting-edge-day traits.
Example: He refuses to apply a cellular smartphone—he’s in reality inside the returns of the instances.
Alternate Phrases: Old-not unusual, Out of contact
12. In the Blink of an Eye
Meaning: Happening properly away or .
Example: The cat darted all through the room in the blink of an eye.
Alternate Phrases: In a flash, Instantly
13. In Due Time
Meaning: At the proper or appropriate 2d.
Example: Your advertising and marketing will be had in due time—stay affected person.
Alternate Phrases: When the time is proper, Eventually
14. Time Off
Meaning: A ruin from paintings, obligations, or regular.
Example: I’m taking some days off the following week to lighten up with my own family.
Alternate Phrases: A quick break, Vacation time
15. High Time
Meaning: The 2d has come; some trouble is overdue.
Example: It’s an immoderate time for leaking taps everyday.
Alternate Phrases: Long late, About time
16. Crunch Time
Meaning: An important duration at the same time as stress to gain fulfillment is excessive.
Example: It’s crunch time—we’ve got simply hours left to finish the report.
Alternate Phrases: Peak pressure second, Last-minute push
17. Just a Matter of Time
Meaning: Something is superb to show up ultimately.
Example: It’s simplest to undergo thoughts of time earlier than the fact comes out.
Alternate Phrases: Inevitable, Bound to expose up
18. Time on Your Hands
Meaning: Having extra or unused free time.
Example: With the youngsters at university, I’ve been given extra time on my hands.
Alternate Phrases: Spare time, Free hours
19. On Borrowed Time
Meaning: Living longer than anticipated, regularly after a near-lack of life event.
Example: After the surgical treatment, she felt like she came to be residing on borrowed time.
Alternate Phrases: Beyond predicted time, A 2nd hazard
20. In the Eleventh Hour
Meaning: At the final second.
Example: They agreed to the terms inside the eleventh hour.
Alternate Phrases: At the very last second, just in time
21. Make Up for Lost Time
Meaning: To trap up on a few elements no longer on time or not noted.
Example: After getting better from contamination, he worked tough to make up for out of area time.
Alternate Phrases: Catch up, Regain out of region development
22. On Schedule
Meaning: According to the anticipated timeline.
Example: The challenge is progressing without difficulty and is right on time.
Alternate Phrases: On time, According to plan
23. Time Well Spent
Meaning: Time used productively or enjoyably.
Example: Volunteering on the solid haven felt like time well spent.
Alternate Phrases: Worthwhile time, Meaningful use of time
24. Time Heals All Wounds
Meaning: Emotional pain lessens with time.
Example: She’s grieving, however they may be announcing time heals all wounds.
Alternate Phrases: Time softens pain, Healing comes with time
25. In the Twinkling of an Eye
Meaning: Happening right away or unexpectedly.
Example: The complete scene modified inside the brief on the identical time as.
Alternate Phrases: Suddenly, Without warning
26. Take Your Time
Meaning: No want to hurry; hold at a snug pace.
Example: Take some time with the test—accuracy subjects greater than pace.
Alternate Phrases: Don’t rush, Move at your very very personal tempo
27. Time and Time Again
Meaning: Happening again and again or continuously.
Example: She reminded him time and time all over again no longer to overlook his keys.
Alternate Phrases: Again and over again, On a couple of activities
28. A Race Against Time
Meaning: Doing some elements urgently in advance as time runs out.
Example: It emerged as a race towards time to rescue the hikers in advance before the typhoon hit.
Alternate Phrases: Against the clock, Urgent lessen-off date
29. Buy Some Time
Meaning: To do away with some issue briefly with a purpose to put together or benefit an advantage.
Example: The supervisor asked the consumer for a fast damage to buy some time and finalize the foundation.
Alternate Phrases: Stall for time, Delay in brief
30. Kill Time
Meaning: To do something unimportant at the same time as searching for something else.
Example: I walked within the route of the mall to kill time in advance of my appointment.
Alternate Phrases: Pass the time, Fill the gap
MCQS
1. What is meant by the expression “against the clock”?
A) To work without any deadlines
B) To complete something within a limited time
C) To go back in time
D) To reset a timer
✅ Correct Answer: B) To complete something within a limited time
2. Which idiom refers to something that happens very rarely?
A) Time is money
B) In the blink of an eye
C) Once in a blue moon
D) High time
✅ Correct Answer: C) Once in a blue moon
3. What does “in the nick of time” suggest?
A) Way too late
B) Right after a deadline
C) Just before it’s too late
D) When you’re not expecting it
✅ Correct Answer: C) Just before it’s too late
4. If someone says “time flies,” what do they mean?
A) Time is slow and boring
B) They wish time would pass faster
C) Time moves quickly
D) Time has wings
✅ Correct Answer: C) Time moves quickly
5. What does “time is money” emphasize?
A) Money can buy time
B) Don’t waste time because it’s valuable
C) Only rich people value time
D) You need time to earn money
✅ Correct Answer: B) Don’t waste time because it’s valuable
6. “In the long run” means:
A) After a long walk
B) After everything is said and done
C) After running a race
D) At the beginning
✅ Correct Answer: B) After everything is said and done
7. What does “better late than never” imply?
A) Being late is unacceptable
B) Being on time is best
C) It’s better to show up late than not at all
D) Don’t show up if you’re late
✅ Correct Answer: C) It’s better to show up late than not at all
8. In the event that anything occurs “time after time,” it occurs:
A) Every hour
B) Repeatedly
C) Occasionally
D) Never again
✅ Correct Answer: B) Repeatedly
9. The phrase “in the meantime” means:
A) Before everything
B) Forever
C) During a waiting period
D) After something ends
✅ Correct Answer: C) During a waiting period
10. What does “behind the times” describe?
A) Running late for work
B) Someone who isn’t modern
C) A fast learner
D) A future thinker
✅ Correct Answer: B) Someone who isn’t modern
11. “In the blink of an eye” refers to something that happens:
A) With your eyes closed
B) Slowly and quietly
C) Quickly and suddenly
D) Overnight
✅ Correct Answer: C) Quickly and suddenly
12. “Taking a break from routine or responsibilities” is what the idiom means?
A) Crunch time
B) Time off
C) Time flies
D) High time
✅ Correct Answer: B) Time off
13. “Crunch time” is best described as:
A) When you’re out of snacks
B) A relaxing time
C) A critical, high-pressure period
D) A moment of silence
✅ Correct Answer: C) A critical, high-pressure period
14. What does “buy some time” mean?
A) Spend money on free time
B) Take a break permanently
C) Delay something briefly to prepare
D) Trade time for work
✅ Correct Answer: C) Delay something briefly to prepare
15. The idiom “kill time” refers to:
A) Wasting precious time intentionally
B) Doing unimportant things while waiting
C) Ending a scheduled meeting
D) Time running out
✅ Correct Answer: B) Doing unimportant things while waiting
Summary
This article explores the rich and colorful international of time-related idioms—expressions that deliver deeper meanings past their literal phrases. These idioms are frequently used in normal English to explain urgency, delays, fleeting moments, schedules, and workouts.
The piece introduces 30 famous idioms consisting of “in opposition to the clock,” “time flies,” “inside the nick of time,” and “once in a blue moon.” Each access consists of its which means, a sensible example, and alternative expressions to assist readers extend their vocabulary and enhance fluency.
The article emphasizes how these idioms enhance verbal exchange, especially whilst discussing time-related reports. It’s best for newcomers trying to grasp natural English and benefit from a better know-how of idiomatic expressions used in actual-life conditions.
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