Time is an invaluable resource, and how we express it through idioms often reflects our cultural and emotional connection to it. From how quickly it passes to how we manage it, idioms for time give us unique ways to talk about its influence in our lives.
In this article, we’ll explore 33 idioms related to time, their meanings, example sentences, and other ways to express similar ideas. These idioms are useful for both everyday conversations and more nuanced discussions about time.
1. Time is money
Meaning: This idiom suggests that time is as valuable as money, and wasting it is like wasting resources.
In a Sentence: “We need to finish this project today; remember, time is money.”
Other Ways to Say: Time is precious, Don’t waste time, Time waits for no one
2. In the nick of time
Meaning: Refers to doing something just at the right moment or right before it’s too late.
In a Sentence: “I caught the last train in the nick of time.”
Other Ways to Say: Just in time, At the last minute, Right on time
3. A race against time
Meaning: A situation where one has to complete a task before time runs out.
In a Sentence: “It was a race against time to finish the assignment before the deadline.”
Other Ways to Say: Time is running out, On a tight schedule, In a time crunch
4. Time flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly, often without us noticing it.
In a Sentence: “I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone by—time flies!”
Other Ways to Say: Time passes quickly, Fleeting moments, In the blink of an eye
5. Killing time
Meaning: Doing something to pass the time, especially when you are waiting for something.
In a Sentence: “We had an hour to kill before the meeting started, so we went for coffee.”
Other Ways to Say: Passing the time, Wasting time, Biding time
6. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To compensate for time that has been wasted or lost, typically by working harder or more efficiently.
In a Sentence: “I had a slow start on the project, but now I’m making up for lost time.”
Other Ways to Say: Catch up, Make up the delay, Regain lost ground
7. Ahead of time
Meaning: Doing something earlier than expected or required.
In a Sentence: “She finished the report ahead of time and was praised for it.”
Other Ways to Say: Early, Before the deadline, In advance
8. Behind the times
Meaning: Being outdated or old-fashioned in ideas, technology, or methods.
In a Sentence: “The company is behind the times with its old software.”
Other Ways to Say: Outdated, Old-fashioned, Antiquated
9. Time will tell
Meaning: The true result or outcome of a situation will only be known in the future.
In a Sentence: “It’s too early to say if the project will succeed—time will tell.”
Other Ways to Say: We’ll see, Only time will show, The future will reveal
10. On borrowed time
Meaning: Living or existing beyond the expected or natural time limit.
In a Sentence: “The old bridge is on borrowed time and may collapse soon.”
Other Ways to Say: On the brink, At the end of the road, Running out of time
11. A matter of time
Meaning: It’s certain to happen eventually, but the exact moment is uncertain.
In a Sentence: “With all his hard work, it’s only a matter of time before he gets promoted.”
Other Ways to Say: Inevitably, Soon enough, It’s bound to happen
12. Time heals all wounds
Meaning: Emotional pain or problems lessen over time.
In a Sentence: “After the breakup, she was devastated, but time heals all wounds.”
Other Ways to Say: Give it time, Things will improve, Time brings healing
13. Take your time
Meaning: To do something slowly or without rushing, allowing yourself enough time.
In a Sentence: “There’s no rush, take your time to think about your decision.”
Other Ways to Say: No hurry, Don’t rush, Relax
14. In no time
Meaning: Something happening very quickly or in a short amount of time.
In a Sentence: “The meeting was over in no time, and we were back to work.”
Other Ways to Say: Quickly, Before you know it, In a flash
15. A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Solving a problem right away is better than waiting and letting it get worse.
In a Sentence: “I fixed the leaky faucet immediately; a stitch in time saves nine.”
Other Ways to Say: Act now, Don’t procrastinate, Nip it in the bud
16. All in good time
Meaning: Things will happen when the time is right, often implying patience is needed.
In a Sentence: “Don’t worry, you’ll get the promotion—all in good time.”
Other Ways to Say: Be patient, Wait for the right moment, When the time is right
17. An oldie but a goodie
Meaning: Something that is old but still valuable, popular, or effective.
In a Sentence: “That song is an oldie but a goodie—it’s still my favorite!”
Other Ways to Say: Classic, Timeless, Tried and true
18. Time is of the essence
Meaning: Time is critical, and acting quickly is important.
In a Sentence: “We need to submit this report by the end of the day—time is of the essence.”
Other Ways to Say: Urgent, Critical timing, Time is crucial
19. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
In a Sentence: “I only see my cousin once in a blue moon, since she lives abroad.”
Other Ways to Say: Rarely, Once in a while, Infrequently
20. The eleventh hour
Meaning: The last possible moment or just before it’s too late.
In a Sentence: “He handed in his project at the eleventh hour.”
Other Ways to Say: At the last moment, Just in time, At the deadline
21. Time’s up
Meaning: The time allowed for something has ended.
In a Sentence: “You’ve used all your time; time’s up for your presentation.”
Other Ways to Say: Time is over, The clock has run out, Deadline reached
22. Burning the candle at both ends
Meaning: Working too hard or staying up late, leading to exhaustion.
In a Sentence: “She’s been burning the candle at both ends to finish the project.”
Other Ways to Say: Overworking, Exhausting oneself, Stretching oneself thin
23. The clock is ticking
Meaning: Time is running out, and there’s urgency to complete something.
In a Sentence: “Hurry up, the clock is ticking, and the deadline is approaching!”
Other Ways to Say: Time’s running out, Hurry up, We’re on the clock
24. On time
Meaning: Punctual or arriving at the scheduled time.
In a Sentence: “Make sure to be on time for the interview.”
Other Ways to Say: Prompt, Right on schedule, Punctual
25. Time to spare
Meaning: Having extra time, usually beyond what’s required.
In a Sentence: “We finished the exam with time to spare.”
Other Ways to Say: Extra time, More than enough time, Plenty of time
26. Killing two birds with one stone
Meaning: Achieving two things at once with a single effort or action.
In a Sentence: “By finishing my work and listening to a podcast, I killed two birds with one stone.”
Other Ways to Say: Multi-tasking, Efficient, Double win
27. Living on borrowed time
Meaning: To be surviving past the expected or normal limit, often implying a sense of urgency or risk.
In a Sentence: “The car has been breaking down for months; we’re living on borrowed time.”
Other Ways to Say: On the edge, At the end of the line, Running out of time
28. Time after time
Meaning: Repeatedly, or continuously over a period of time.
In a Sentence: “He has failed time after time, but he hasn’t given up.”
Other Ways to Say: Over and over, Again and again, Continuously
29. In the fullness of time
Meaning: At the right or appropriate time, when everything has come to fruition.
In a Sentence: “In the fullness of time, we’ll see the results of our hard work.”
Other Ways to Say: In due course, Eventually, At the right moment
30. At the drop of a hat
Meaning: Without any hesitation or delay, immediately.
In a Sentence: “She agreed to help at the drop of a hat when I asked.”
Other Ways to Say: Instantly, Immediately, Without delay
31. The sands of time
Meaning: The passing of time, often symbolized by sand in an hourglass.
In a Sentence: “As we grow older, the sands of time slip away.”
Other Ways to Say: Time passing, The passing moments, The passage of time
32. Running out of time
Meaning: Having little time left to do something.
In a Sentence: “We’re running out of time, and we haven’t even started yet!”
Other Ways to Say: Pressed for time, Time’s nearly up, Short on time
33. At your leisure
Meaning: When you have free time or are not rushed.
In a Sentence: “You can review the documents at your leisure.”
Other Ways to Say: At your convenience, When you have time, At a relaxed pace
Time Idioms Quiz
1. What does the idiom “Time is money” suggest?
a) Time is valuable
b) Money is more important than time
c) Time cannot be wasted
d) Time is free
Answer: a) Time is valuable
2. Which idiom refers to doing something just before it’s too late?
a) A matter of time
b) In the nick of time
c) On borrowed time
d) Time will tell
Answer: b) In the nick of time
3. What does “A race against time” mean?
a) Taking your time with a task
b) Competing against others for time
c) Trying to finish something before time runs out
d) Waiting for an event to happen
Answer: c) Trying to finish something before time runs out
4. What is meant by the idiom “Time flies”?
a) Time passes slowly
b) Time passes quickly
c) Time stays still
d) Time flies in the sky
Answer: b) Time passes quickly
5. Which of these idioms refers to passing the time while waiting?
a) Killing time
b) Time is of the essence
c) In the fullness of time
d) At the drop of a hat
Answer: a) Killing time
6. What does “Make up for lost time” mean?
a) To finish earlier than expected
b) To recover time that was wasted
c) To wait until time is available
d) To waste time efficiently
Answer: b) To recover time that was wasted
7. Which of the following idioms suggests doing something earlier than required?
a) Time’s up
b) Ahead of time
c) On borrowed time
d) Time after time
Answer: b) Ahead of time
8. What does the idiom “Behind the times” mean?
a) Being updated with the latest trends
b) Being outdated or old-fashioned
c) Completing tasks quickly
d) Working on time
Answer: b) Being outdated or old-fashioned
9. What is the meaning of “Time will tell”?
a) The future will reveal the outcome
b) Time will heal all wounds
c) Time is running out
d) The time has come to act
Answer: a) The future will reveal the outcome
10. Which idiom suggests that emotional pain lessens over time?
a) A stitch in time saves nine
b) Time heals all wounds
c) Time waits for no one
d) Time after time
Answer: b) Time heals all wounds
11. If someone says “Take your time,” what are they suggesting?
a) Hurry up
b) No need to rush
c) Finish quickly
d) Time is running out
Answer: b) No need to rush
12. What does “In no time” mean?
a) Very slowly
b) A long time
c) In a very short amount of time
d) Time is irrelevant
Answer: c) In a very short amount of time
13. What does the idiom “A stitch in time saves nine” suggest?
a) Waiting for a problem to solve itself
b) Solving problems immediately prevents bigger ones
c) Being proactive is a waste of time
d) It’s better to relax than rush
Answer: b) Solving problems immediately prevents bigger ones
14. What does the idiom “All in good time” mean?
a) Everything happens immediately
b) Things will happen when the right time comes
c) Time is important but must be ignored
d) Nothing can be planned
Answer: b) Things will happen when the right time comes
15. Which of these idioms refers to something old but still valuable?
a) Time flies
b) A stitch in time saves nine
c) An oldie but a goodie
d) In the fullness of time
Answer: c) An oldie but a goodie
16. What does “Time is of the essence” mean?
a) Time is not important
b) Acting quickly is crucial
c) Time will take care of everything
d) Time cannot be controlled
Answer: b) Acting quickly is crucial
17. Which idiom means that something happens very rarely?
a) Time after time
b) Once in a blue moon
c) On borrowed time
d) At the drop of a hat
Answer: b) Once in a blue moon
18. What does “The eleventh hour” refer to?
a) A time in the evening
b) The last possible moment
c) The beginning of the day
d) A time to relax
Answer: b) The last possible moment
19. Which idiom suggests that time is running out?
a) Time flies
b) Running out of time
c) At the drop of a hat
d) Ahead of time
Answer: b) Running out of time
20. What does “Living on borrowed time” mean?
a) Having plenty of time
b) Existing beyond the expected limit of time
c) Wasting time intentionally
d) Using time wisely
Answer: b) Existing beyond the expected limit of time
21. What does “Time after time” mean?
a) Once in a while
b) Continuously over a period of time
c) Only once
d) Time passing quickly
Answer: b) Continuously over a period of time
22. What is meant by the idiom “At your leisure”?
a) When you are in a hurry
b) When you are free or relaxed
c) When you have no time
d) When you are wasting time
Answer: b) When you are free or relaxed
23. What does “At the drop of a hat” mean?
a) Doing something immediately
b) Doing something slowly
c) Taking your time with a decision
d) Delaying something
Answer: a) Doing something immediately
24. What does “The sands of time” represent?
a) Money
b) The passage of time
c) The importance of being on time
d) A fast-approaching deadline
Answer: b) The passage of time
25. If someone says “On time,” what do they mean?
a) They are late
b) They arrived punctually
c) They missed the deadline
d) They are running out of time
Answer: b) They arrived punctually
26. Which idiom refers to achieving two things with one effort?
a) Time after time
b) Killing two birds with one stone
c) Time is of the essence
d) A race against time
Answer: b) Killing two birds with one stone
27. What does “Running out of time” imply?
a) Having plenty of time left
b) Being ahead of schedule
c) Having little time left to finish something
d) Having too much time
Answer: c) Having little time left to finish something
28. What does “Time after time” imply?
a) Things happening only once
b) A continuous process over time
c) Waiting for the right moment
d) An urgent task
Answer: b) A continuous process over time
29. What is meant by the phrase “In the fullness of time”?
a) At the exact moment
b) After everything has come to completion
c) When time is wasted
d) At the beginning of something
Answer: b) After everything has come to completion
30. What is the meaning of “Take your time”?
a) Do something quickly
b) Don’t rush and take as long as needed
c) Time is irrelevant
d) Complete the task in a hurry
Answer: b) Don’t rush and take as long as needed
Conclusion
Idioms for time offer creative and insightful ways to express how we experience and manage time. Understanding and using these idioms can enrich your communication, whether you’re discussing urgency, patience, or the fleeting nature of time.
