English Idioms

Time

Improving your grasp of time-related idioms will enhance your ability to discuss schedules, deadlines, and time management effectively. Our curated list of time idioms features clear definitions, practical examples, and audio pronunciations to assist your learning process. Mastering these idioms will allow you to express yourself more fluently when talking about time. By understanding the origins of these idioms, you'll gain valuable cultural insights and improve your overall comprehension. Practice using these idioms in your daily conversations to boost your confidence and speaking skills. Start learning time idioms today to refine your English communication.

Idiom	Meaning and Examples
Against the clock	Meaning: When someone is working with a very tight deadline and needs to complete a task as quickly as possible, they are said to be working against the clock. It often involves a sense of urgency and the pressure to finish within a limited timeframe. Examples: The team worked against the clock to submit the project proposal before the 5 PM deadline. With the final exam approaching, students were studying against the clock to cover the entire syllabus. The engineers were racing against the clock to fix the software bug before the product launch. Meaning and Examples of the "Against the clock" idiom
Around the clock	Meaning: It refers to something that happens continuously throughout the entire day and night without stopping. This phrase is often used to describe services, work, or activities that operate 24 hours a day. Examples: The new hospital in town provides medical care around the clock, ensuring patients receive help at any hour. During the critical product launch, the tech team worked around the clock to fix any last-minute bugs. The security staff monitors the building around the clock, ensuring the safety of the residents. Meaning and Examples of the "Around the clock" idiom
Beat the clock	Meaning: To accomplish a task or complete something before a deadline or within a limited amount of time. It often implies working quickly and efficiently to avoid being late. Examples: Despite the heavy traffic, she managed to beat the clock and arrive at the meeting just in time. The students worked diligently to beat the clock and submit their projects before the deadline. With only minutes left, he beat the clock by finishing the final exam questions just in time. Meaning and Examples of the "Beat the clock" idiom
Behind the times	Meaning: When someone or something is not current or up-to-date, they are considered outdated or old-fashioned. This can apply to ideas, technology, fashion, or even behavior. Examples: Despite his impressive resume, his approach to marketing was clearly behind the times. The company's refusal to adopt digital tools made them seem behind the times compared to their competitors. Her fashion sense, though unique, often felt behind the times, reminiscent of past decades. Meaning and Examples of the "Behind the times" idiom
Call it a day	Meaning: To decide to stop working on something, usually because the work is done or because further efforts are not worthwhile. It often implies a sense of completion or acknowledgment that continuing isn't productive. Examples: After spending hours on the report, Jane decided to call it a day and continue tomorrow. The construction crew called it a day once the sun began to set, planning to resume their work in the morning. With the project nearly complete, the team felt it was appropriate to call it a day and celebrate their progress. Meaning and Examples of the "Call it a day" idiom
Crack of dawn	Meaning: The phrase refers to the very early hours of the morning when the sun is just beginning to rise. It's often used to indicate a time when most people are still asleep, highlighting the earliness of the hour. Examples: She wakes up at the crack of dawn every day to go jogging before work. Farmers often start their work at the crack of dawn to make the most of daylight hours. He caught a flight that left at the crack of dawn, ensuring he arrived at his destination by midday. Meaning and Examples of the "Crack of dawn" idiom
Eleventh hour	Meaning: The phrase is used to describe something that happens at the last possible moment before a deadline or before something significant occurs. It's often associated with urgency and last-minute efforts. Examples: Despite the looming deadline, she managed to submit her assignment at the eleventh hour. The peace treaty was signed at the eleventh hour, preventing a potentially catastrophic conflict. He always leaves his tax filings until the eleventh hour, causing unnecessary stress. Meaning and Examples of the "Eleventh hour" idiom
In the nick of time	Meaning: Something happens at the last possible moment before it's too late. It's often used to describe a situation where timing is critical and just narrowly met. Examples: As the train was about to depart, she arrived in the nick of time. The firefighters rescued the cat from the burning building in the nick of time. He submitted his tax returns in the nick of time, avoiding hefty penalties. Meaning and Examples of the "In the nick of time" idiom
Make up for lost time	Meaning: To do something more quickly or intensely because you did not do it earlier. It's about compensating for missed opportunities or delays by putting in extra effort now. Examples: After spending years traveling, Jenna returned to her studies with a determination to make up for lost time. The company is working overtime to make up for lost time caused by the production delays. Following a long illness, Mark is eager to make up for lost time and get back to his active lifestyle. Meaning and Examples of the "Make up for lost time" idiom
Once in a blue moon	Meaning: This idiom refers to something that happens very rarely. It's used to describe events or actions that occur infrequently and are often unexpected. Examples: She only visits her hometown once in a blue moon, preferring to spend her vacations abroad. John checks his email once in a blue moon, so it's better to call him if you need a quick response. The old clock in the hallway chimes correctly only once in a blue moon. Meaning and Examples of the "Once in a blue moon" idiom
Pressed for time	Meaning: Feeling hurried or rushed because there is not enough time to complete everything. It often involves having a tight schedule or deadline that pushes you to work faster. Examples: Despite being pressed for time, she managed to complete the project with remarkable precision. He felt constantly pressed for time due to his demanding job and family commitments. The chef, pressed for time, opted for quick and easy recipes to meet the dinner rush. Meaning and Examples of the "Pressed for time" idiom
Time flies	Meaning: It feels like time passes very quickly, especially when you're engaged in something enjoyable or absorbing. Before you know it, hours, days, or even years have slipped by almost unnoticed. Examples: As I was engrossed in my novel, I looked up to find that time flies, and it was already past midnight. During our road trip across the country, we realized that time flies when you're having fun. My grandmother often reminisces about her youth, noting how time flies and suddenly decades have passed. Meaning and Examples of the "Time flies" idiom
Time heals all wounds	Meaning: As time passes, the emotional pain or distress caused by a difficult experience tends to lessen. The passage of time can help people recover from grief, heartbreak, or other emotional struggles. Examples: After her divorce, Emily found solace in her friends and family, and over the years, she realized that time heals all wounds. Although it was hard to lose his job, Mark discovered that with time, the disappointment and frustration faded away. When Sarah's beloved pet passed away, she was heartbroken, but she learned that time heals all wounds as she began to cherish the happy memories. Meaning and Examples of the "Time heals all wounds" idiom
Time is of the essence	Meaning: Acting quickly is crucial because any delay might cause significant consequences. The timing is a key factor in achieving a successful outcome. Examples: In the medical field, time is of the essence when treating a heart attack patient. With the project deadline looming, the manager reminded the team that time is of the essence. The lawyer stressed that time is of the essence in submitting the paperwork to avoid penalties. Meaning and Examples of the "Time is of the essence" idiom
Time will tell	Meaning: Over time, the truth or outcome of a situation will become clear. It suggests that patience is needed to see the full picture or final result. Examples: After the controversial merger, only time will tell if the decision was beneficial for the company. Despite her initial enthusiasm, only time will tell if she can handle the responsibilities of the new role. With the new policies in place, time will tell if they lead to the expected improvements in productivity. Meaning and Examples of the "Time will tell" idiom