Time is something we all think about every day. We talk about being late, early, or how long something takes. To make it more fun or interesting, people often use idioms. Idioms are special phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say, but they help us understand ideas in a more colorful way.
In this article, we will explore idioms that use the word “time.” These idioms can help you explain how you feel about time or what is happening. For example, if you say “in the nick of time,” it means just in time, not about a person named Nick! Learning these idioms will help you speak and write better. Let’s begin!
Idioms for Time
1. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time, before it’s too late.
Samples: We got to the bus stop in the nick of time. / He finished his test in the nick of time.
To Put it Another Way: Right before the last minute. / Just barely made it.
2. Time flies
Meaning: Time goes by very fast.
Samples: Time flies when you’re having fun. / I can’t believe it’s already bedtime time flies!
To Put it Another Way: Time passed quickly. / It felt like no time at all.
3. Beat the clock
Meaning: Finish something before the time runs out.
Samples: I beat the clock and turned in my homework early. / We beat the clock and made it to class on time.
To Put it Another Way: I did it before the deadline. / I made it just in time.
4. Around the clock
Meaning: All day and all night.
Samples: The store is open around the clock. / We worked around the clock to finish the project.
To Put it Another Way: All the time. / Nonstop.
5. Behind the times
Meaning: Not modern or up to date.
Samples: That phone is behind the times. / His ideas are behind the times.
To Put it Another Way: Old-fashioned. / Not current.
6. Ahead of time
Meaning: Before the planned time.
Samples: We arrived ahead of time. / She finished her project ahead of time.
To Put it Another Way: Early. / Before it was due.
7. Call it a day
Meaning: Stop working or finish for now.
Samples: We were tired, so we called it a day. / Let’s call it a day and go home.
To Put it Another Way: Let’s stop now. / We’re done for today.
8. Make up for lost time
Meaning: Do something faster because you started late.
Samples: We had to make up for lost time after the delay. / She worked hard to make up for lost time.
To Put it Another Way: Catch up. / Try to get back on schedule.
9. Time will tell
Meaning: You’ll know the result later.
Samples: Time will tell if the new plan works. / Time will tell if we made the right choice.
To Put it Another Way: We’ll see what happens. / We’ll find out later.
10. Kill time
Meaning: Do something to pass the time while waiting.
Samples: We played a game to kill time before dinner. / I read a book to kill time at the doctor’s office.
To Put it Another Way: Fill the time. / Do something while waiting.
11. On time
Meaning: Not early or late.
Samples: He always arrives on time. / We need to be on time for the movie.
To Put it Another Way: At the right time. / Not late.
12. Out of time
Meaning: No time left.
Samples: We ran out of time on the quiz. / I’m out of time to finish the homework.
To Put it Another Way: Time’s up. / I can’t do any more.
13. Save time
Meaning: Do something faster or easier.
Samples: Using a calculator can save time. / We took a shortcut to save time.
To Put it Another Way: Finish quicker. / Don’t waste time.
14. Spend time
Meaning: Use time to do something.
Samples: I spent time with my family this weekend. / He likes to spend time drawing.
To Put it Another Way: Use time doing something. / Take time to do it.
15. Take your time
Meaning: Don’t rush.
Samples: Take your time and do it carefully. / You can take your time with the puzzle.
To Put it Another Way: Go slowly. / No need to hurry.
16. Time is up
Meaning: No more time left.
Samples: Time is up put your pencils down. / The game is over because time is up.
To Put it Another Way: It’s done. / No more time.
17. Third time’s the charm
Meaning: The third try usually works.
Samples: I missed twice, but third time’s the charm! / She passed the test on her third try it was the charm.
To Put it Another Way: Try again it might work this time. / Don’t give up.
18. Have the time of your life
Meaning: Have a really great time.
Samples: I had the time of my life at camp. / She had the time of her life at the party.
To Put it Another Way: I had so much fun. / It was the best time.
19. Time stands still
Meaning: A moment that feels quiet or frozen.
Samples: It felt like time stood still when she walked in. / The moment was so special, time stood still.
To Put it Another Way: Everything paused. / It felt calm and still.
20. A race against time
Meaning: Hurry to finish before the time ends.
Samples: It was a race against time to finish the project. / We were in a race against time to catch the bus.
To Put it Another Way: We had to rush. / We needed to beat the clock.
21. Only time will tell
Meaning: We need to wait and see what happens.
Samples: Only time will tell if it snows tomorrow. / Only time will tell if the plan works.
To Put it Another Way: We’ll find out later. / Wait and see.
22. Just in time
Meaning: Almost too late, but still on time.
Samples: We got there just in time for the show. / She caught the train just in time.
To Put it Another Way: Barely made it. / Right before it was too late.
23. Time after time
Meaning: Over and over again.
Samples: She helped me time after time. / Time after time, he showed up late.
To Put it Another Way: Again and again. / Many times.
24. About time
Meaning: Something should have happened earlier.
Samples: It’s about time we cleaned the room. / About time you showed up!
To Put it Another Way: Finally. / That took too long.
25. Ahead of the times
Meaning: Very modern or futuristic.
Samples: His ideas are ahead of the times. / That new tool is ahead of the times.
To Put it Another Way: Very advanced. / New and modern.
26. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Samples: We eat out once in a blue moon. / He visits only once in a blue moon.
To Put it Another Way: Not often. / Almost never.
27. Big time
Meaning: Very successful or in a big way.
Samples: He made it big time with his book. / She won big time at the contest.
To Put it Another Way: Very successful. / A huge win.
28. Bide your time
Meaning: Wait patiently for the right moment.
Samples: He’s biding his time before speaking. / She decided to bide her time before acting.
To Put it Another Way: Wait quietly. / Be patient.
29. Crunch time
Meaning: A short, important time before a deadline.
Samples: It’s crunch time before finals. / We’re in crunch time, let’s focus.
To Put it Another Way: The most important time. / It’s the final push.
30. In no time
Meaning: Very quickly.
Samples: We got ready in no time. / The work was done in no time.
To Put it Another Way: Really fast. / It didn’t take long.
Find the Topics: Idioms for Time
Story Title: “Running Late for the Dance”
It was Friday evening, and Lily was rushing to get ready for the school dance. She looked at the clock and gasped. She was out of time! Her sister shouted, “You better hurry, it’s crunch time!”
Lily grabbed her shoes and dress. “At least I saved time by picking my outfit yesterday,” she said. She raced to the door, arriving just in the nick of time.
Her friend Mia smiled and said, “You made it! We were about to start without you.”
“I know,” Lily replied, “but I had to spend time fixing my hair. It would not stay down!”
As the music started, the group danced and laughed. Lily was having the time of her life. She looked around and thought, “Time really flies when you’re having fun.”
When the last song ended, the teacher called out, “Let’s call it a day. Great job, everyone!” On the ride home, Lily whispered, “That was the best night ever.”
Your Task:
Underline or list all 8 idioms for time used in the story.
Answer Key
- Out of time
- Crunch time
- Saved time
- In the nick of time
- Spend time
- Time of her life
- Time flies
- Call it a day
Conclusion
Idioms for time help us say things in fun and interesting ways. Instead of saying “I was just on time,” you can say “I made it in the nick of time.” These phrases help explain how we feel about time, whether we are rushing, waiting, or having fun.
When you use time idioms, your stories and conversations become more exciting. Try using a few the next time you talk about your day. It will help others understand you better and make your words more fun to hear.
