Time is such an important part of our lives. We set alarm clocks and wear watches to make sure we’re on time. We have calendars to remind us what day or month it is. We’re always thinking about time and how to make the most of it. Of course, time has made its mark on our languages as well. In this post, we’ll take a look at 25 English expressions about time.

Time flies

Meaning: time passes very quickly

Example: “Time flies when you’re having fun!”

To kill time

Meaning: to do something to pass the time

Example: “We had a long layover, so we watched a movie to kill time.”

A waste of time

Meaning: not a useful way to spend your time

Example: “Why are you always on Facebook? It’s such a waste of time!”

Time is money

Meaning: time is valuable

Example: “I can’t sit around waiting for him all day. Time is money, you know?!”

No time to lose

Meaning: you must hurry to do something as fast as you can

Example: “We have to get ready for the surprise party! She’s going to be here soon. There’s no time to lose!”

Crunch time

Meaning: a critical moment when decisive action is needed (used very often in sports)

Example: “There’s a minute left in the game and they’re down by 5. It’s crunch time!”

Time is of the essence

Meaning: time is limited so you need to act quickly

Example: “We have to finish the project by tomorrow. Let’s get to work, people. Time is of the essence!”

High time

Meaning: something should have been done already

Example: “It’s high time he proposed! They’ve been together forever!”

Stand the test of time

Meaning: something stays popular for a long time or continues to work for a long time

Example: “The Beatles have been popular for so long. Their music has really stood the test of time.”

In the right place at the right time

Meaning: when something happens unexpectedly or by luck

Example: “I can’t believe you got a job there! How did you do it?”

“I ran into the manager at the game the other night and we got to talking. It turns out we went to the same school. We got to talking and he offered me a job. Guess I was in the right place at the right place.”

In the wrong place at the wrong time

Meaning: when something unlucky happens

Example: “I parked my car under a tree and the branch fell off and smashed my window! Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

From time to time

Meaning: occasionally; not very often

Example: “I workout from time to time, but I’m too busy to do it every day.”

To serve time/to do time

Meaning: to go to jail/prison

Example: “He had to do time for a DUI (driving under the influence).”

Catch someone at the wrong time

Meaning: to interrupt someone or inconvenience them

Example: “I’m sorry. You really caught me at the wrong time. I’m headed out the door to a meeting.”

Long time no see

Meaning: a greeting you use when you haven’t seen someone for a while

Example: “Long time no see! It’s been a couple of years, hasn’t it?”

Too much time on one’s hands

Meaning: to have too much free time and not enough things to do

Example: “He’s really got too much time on his hands these days. He really needs to get a job!”

There’s no time like the present

Meaning: something should be done now rather than later

Example: “Why wait until this weekend to do it? Let’s just get it done now. There’s no time like the present!”

In the nick of time

Meaning: at the last possible moment; to do something just before it’s too late

Example: “Wow! They close in 5 minutes. We got here just in the nick of time.”

Only time will tell

Meaning: you have to wait to find something out

Example: “We’re not sure if it was a good idea to get a dog or not. Only time will tell…”

To hit the big time

Meaning: to become very successful

Example: “He really hit the big time. He got a promotion and a huge raise!”

For the time being

Meaning: something is temporary

Example: “I’m staying with my parents for the time being until I find a new job.”

Third time’s the charm

Meaning: something will work the 3rd time you try it, after the first two attempts have failed

Example: “We haven’t been able to get a table at that new restaurant and we’ve already tried twice. Let’s hope that the third time’s the charm.”

A whale of a time

Meaning: to have a very good time; to do something really fun

Example: “That party last night was a whale of a time!”

Time heals all wounds

Meaning: feelings of sadness will go away eventually

Example: “I’m feeling so sad after the break-up.”

“Just give it a few weeks. You know time heals all wounds.”

 

Are there any interesting expressions about time in your native language? Can you translate them to English? Leave a comment and let us know!