Time moves all the time. We cannot stop it or slow it down. Sometimes, we talk about time using special phrases. These are called idioms. Idioms are fun ways to say something. They don’t always mean what the words say. They have a different meaning that people understand.
In this article, we will look at some idioms about time passing. You may hear these in books or from people around you. They help us talk about time in a clear and fun way. You’ll learn what these idioms mean and when people use them. Let’s take a closer look at how we talk about time using these special phrases.
Idioms about Time Passing
1. Time flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly.
To Provide an Example: Summer break went by so fast time flies. / I can’t believe it’s already bedtime. Time flies when you’re having fun.
Alternative Meaning: It means you didn’t notice how fast time passed. / You were busy or having fun, so time felt short.
2. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Something happens very quickly.
To Provide an Example: The weekend was over in the blink of an eye. / He finished his snack in the blink of an eye.
Alternative Meaning: It means it was over before you noticed. / Something changed really fast.
3. Around the clock
Meaning: All day and all night without stopping.
To Provide an Example: The nurses work around the clock to help people. / We cleaned the house around the clock before the party.
Alternative Meaning: It means without taking a break. / It means working all day and all night.
4. Beat the clock
Meaning: To finish something before the time is up.
To Provide an Example: He beat the clock and finished the puzzle in time. / We had to beat the clock to turn in our homework.
Alternative Meaning: It means you did it quickly. / You finished something just in time.
5. Behind the times
Meaning: Not keeping up with new things.
To Provide an Example: Grandpa doesn’t use the internet he’s behind the times. / She still uses a flip phone, so she’s behind the times.
Alternative Meaning: It means someone likes old ways. / They don’t follow what’s new.
6. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To do something quickly because you were late or delayed.
To Provide an Example: We played extra games to make up for lost time. / She read more pages to make up for lost time.
Alternative Meaning: It means catching up. / Doing more because time was missed.
7. In no time
Meaning: Very quickly.
To Provide an Example: He cleaned his room in no time. / The cookies were gone in no time.
Alternative Meaning: It means something was fast. / It didn’t take long at all.
8. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that doesn’t happen often.
To Provide an Example: We go to the zoo once in a blue moon. / He eats broccoli once in a blue moon.
Alternative Meaning: It means it happens rarely. / Not something you do a lot.
9. Better late than never
Meaning: It’s good to do something, even if it’s late.
To Provide an Example: I finally finished my book better late than never. / She said sorry better late than never.
Alternative Meaning: It means late is still okay. / Doing something late is better than not doing it.
10. Kill time
Meaning: To do something while waiting.
To Provide an Example: We played games to kill time before dinner. / He read a book to kill time in the car.
Alternative Meaning: It means staying busy while you wait. / Doing something just to pass the time.
11. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working or playing.
To Provide an Example: After painting, we called it a day. / He was tired, so he called it a day.
Alternative Meaning: It means to stop for now. / You are done with what you were doing.
12. Crack of dawn
Meaning: Very early in the morning.
To Provide an Example: We woke up at the crack of dawn for our trip. / Dad goes to work at the crack of dawn.
Alternative Meaning: It means sunrise. / When the day just begins.
13. Against the clock
Meaning: Rushing to finish something before time runs out.
To Provide an Example: We raced against the clock to finish the puzzle. / She worked against the clock to finish homework.
Alternative Meaning: It means trying to finish fast. / Time is almost up.
14. Like clockwork
Meaning: Happens at the same time or in the same way every time.
To Provide an Example: The bus comes like clockwork every morning. / He eats lunch at noon like clockwork.
Alternative Meaning: It means it happens on time. / It always happens the same way.
15. Take your time
Meaning: Don’t rush.
To Provide an Example: You can take your time with the puzzle. / She took her time drawing a picture.
Alternative Meaning: It means go slowly. / No need to hurry.
16. Time is up
Meaning: The time is over.
To Provide an Example: Time is up put your pencils down. / Time is up for the game.
Alternative Meaning: It means you ran out of time. / The activity is done.
17. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just before it’s too late.
To Provide an Example: We got there in the nick of time to see the show. / He caught the ball in the nick of time.
Alternative Meaning: It means just in time. / Almost too late, but not.
18. From time to time
Meaning: Sometimes, but not often.
To Provide an Example: We go hiking from time to time. / She eats ice cream from time to time.
Alternative Meaning: It means every once in a while. / Not all the time, just sometimes.
19. A matter of time
Meaning: Something will happen soon.
To Provide an Example: It’s just a matter of time before it snows. / He will learn to tie his shoes it’s a matter of time.
Alternative Meaning: It means it will happen. / You just have to wait.
20. Time will tell
Meaning: We’ll see what happens later.
To Provide an Example: Time will tell if the seeds grow. / Time will tell if we win the contest.
Alternative Meaning: It means we don’t know yet. / We’ll find out later.
21. Run out of time
Meaning: Time is gone.
To Provide an Example: We ran out of time and didn’t finish the game. / She ran out of time on the test.
Alternative Meaning: It means time is over. / No more time left.
22. On the dot
Meaning: Exactly on time.
To Provide an Example: The movie started at 7 on the dot. / She came home at 3 on the dot.
Alternative Meaning: It means not early or late. / Right on time.
23. Save time
Meaning: To do something in a way that takes less time.
To Provide an Example: Using a backpack can save time in the morning. / We cleaned together to save time.
Alternative Meaning: It means making things faster. / Not wasting time.
24. A race against time
Meaning: Trying to finish something before it’s too late.
To Provide an Example: It was a race against time to finish homework before dinner. / They ran a race against time to build the snowman.
Alternative Meaning: It means time is almost up. / You have to hurry.
25. Third time’s the charm
Meaning: You may succeed the third time you try.
To Provide an Example: He missed twice, but the third time’s the charm. / She tried to tie her shoes again the third time’s the charm.
Alternative Meaning: It means try again. / You might win this time.
26. All in good time
Meaning: Something will happen when the time is right.
To Provide an Example: You’ll ride your bike without training wheels all in good time. / Don’t worry, you’ll get your turn all in good time.
Alternative Meaning: It means to be patient. / Things will happen when ready.
27. At the last minute
Meaning: Very close to the deadline or end.
To Provide an Example: He packed his bag at the last minute. / We got to the bus at the last minute.
Alternative Meaning: It means almost too late. / Right before the time ends.
28. Borrowed time
Meaning: Extra time you didn’t expect to have.
To Provide an Example: We stayed up past bedtime on borrowed time. / The old toy still works it’s living on borrowed time.
Alternative Meaning: It means time you didn’t plan for. / Time that may end soon.
29. Have time on your hands
Meaning: To have free time with nothing to do.
To Provide an Example: She had time on her hands, so she drew pictures. / He made crafts because he had time on his hands.
Alternative Meaning: It means you aren’t busy. / You have time to do what you want.
30. Just in time
Meaning: Something was done right before it was too late.
To Provide an Example: We got to school just in time for class. / He caught the ball just in time.
Alternative Meaning: It means almost late, but not. / Done right before time ran out.
31. Pressed for time
Meaning: You don’t have much time left.
To Provide an Example: We couldn’t play long we were pressed for time. / She rushed because she was pressed for time.
Alternative Meaning: It means time is short. / You’re in a hurry.
32. Time after time
Meaning: Again and again.
To Provide an Example: Time after time, he forgets his lunchbox. / She asks the same question time after time.
Alternative Meaning: It means many times. / Something keeps happening.
33. Bide your time
Meaning: Wait for the right moment.
To Provide an Example: He bided his time before jumping in the game. / She waited to speak she bided her time.
Alternative Meaning: It means waiting patiently. / You’re waiting for a good time to act.
34. Big time
Meaning: A lot or in a big way.
To Provide an Example: She loves ice cream big time. / He messed up big time.
Alternative Meaning: It means very much. / Something was done in a big way.
35. About time
Meaning: Something should have happened sooner.
To Provide an Example: It’s about time you cleaned your room. / He said sorry it’s about time.
Alternative Meaning: It means it took too long. / It should have happened earlier.
36. Every now and then
Meaning: Sometimes, not often.
To Provide an Example: We go to the park every now and then. / He eats carrots every now and then.
Alternative Meaning: It means once in a while. / Not all the time.
37. Out of time
Meaning: No time is left.
To Provide an Example: We ran out of time to finish the puzzle. / She was out of time on her test.
Alternative Meaning: It means time is gone. / The clock ran out.
38. Time and again
Meaning: Many times.
To Provide an Example: Time and again, he reminds us to be kind. / Time and again, we check for homework.
Alternative Meaning: It means often. / Again and again.
39. A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Fixing a small problem now can stop a bigger one later.
To Provide an Example: She fixed her backpack early a stitch in time saves nine. / He told the teacher before it got worse.
Alternative Meaning: It means fix things early. / Don’t wait to solve a problem.
40. On borrowed time
Meaning: You’re lucky to have more time.
To Provide an Example: The flashlight still works it’s on borrowed time. / We stayed up late on borrowed time.
Alternative Meaning: It means extra time. / Time you didn’t expect.
41. Ahead of time
Meaning: Before the planned time.
To Provide an Example: He finished the test ahead of time. / We got to the party ahead of time.
Alternative Meaning: It means early. / Done before it was due.
42. Once upon a time
Meaning: A long time ago.
To Provide an Example: Once upon a time, there was a kind bear. / Once upon a time, we had no phones.
Alternative Meaning: It means in the past. / A story beginning.
43. Time of your life
Meaning: A very fun time.
To Provide an Example: She had the time of her life at the fair. / He had the time of his life at the beach.
Alternative Meaning: It means the best time. / A time full of joy.
44. Turn back time
Meaning: To wish you could go back.
To Provide an Example: I wish I could turn back time and fix it. / He wanted to turn back time to eat the cookie slower.
Alternative Meaning: It means go to the past. / Change something you did.
45. Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable.
To Provide an Example: He works fast because time is money. / Don’t waste time time is money.
Alternative Meaning: It means time is important. / Time shouldn’t be wasted.
46. Too much time on your hands
Meaning: Having more time than needed.
To Provide an Example: He drew 50 pictures he has too much time on his hands. / She made 10 bracelets today.
Alternative Meaning: It means you are very free. / You’re looking for things to do.
47. Time waits for no one
Meaning: Time keeps going no matter what.
To Provide an Example: We must hurry time waits for no one. / Do your work time waits for no one.
Alternative Meaning: It means time doesn’t stop. / You can’t delay.
48. Behind schedule
Meaning: Something is late.
To Provide an Example: The train is behind schedule. / We’re behind schedule with our project.
Alternative Meaning: It means running late. / Not on time.
49. Have a rough time
Meaning: Having a hard or sad time.
To Provide an Example: He had a rough time when his toy broke. / She had a rough time learning to skate.
Alternative Meaning: It means it’s not easy. / You’re having trouble.
50. A long time coming
Meaning: Something took a while to happen.
To Provide an Example: His win was a long time coming. / She finally learned to read a long time coming.
Alternative Meaning: It means it took time. / It didn’t happen fast.
Trials for Success: Idioms about Time Passing
- The movie started right at 6 ______________.
- We had to finish our math test ______________.
- My sister said sorry it’s ______________.
- We got to the school bus ______________.
- He read books to ______________ while waiting for the dentist.
- I visit my cousin in Texas ______________.
- She got a prize on her third try ______________.
- We packed for our trip at ______________.
- My dad goes to work at the ______________ every day.
- I had the ______________ at the water park last weekend.
- We went to the zoo, but it felt like ______________.
- He was so late that we ran ______________ to eat lunch.
- We had ______________ before soccer practice, so we played outside.
- My little brother plays the same song ______________.
- The toy still works, but it’s really on ______________.
Answer Key
- on the dot
- against the clock
- about time
- just in time
- kill time
- every now and then
- third time’s the charm
- the last minute
- crack of dawn
- time of my life
- in the blink of an eye
- out of time
- time on our hands
- time after time
- borrowed time
Conclusion
Time moves every day. We can’t stop it, but we can talk about it in fun ways. Idioms help us do that.
You learned many phrases about time. Some showed how fast it goes. Others helped explain waiting or being late. These sayings can help you speak and write in a more fun way. Try using one next time you talk about time.
