Time passing is something everyone experiences. It affects everything in our lives, from the seasons changing to milestones we reach. Sometimes, we don’t notice how quickly time goes until it’s already passed. In language, we use idioms to describe how time seems to move, how it can feel slow or fast, and how we experience it in different ways. These idioms help us talk about time in creative and relatable ways.
In this article, you will discover some common idioms about time passing. These phrases will help you express how time feels in different situations. Whether it’s about waiting for a special event or remembering the past, understanding these idioms makes talking about time much more interesting. Let’s explore them and see how they can add meaning to our conversations about time.
Idioms about Time Passing
1. Time flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly.
Example: We had so much fun at the park, but time flew by! / The summer break went by so fast, I can’t believe it’s over already.
Put Differently: Time passed quickly when we were playing outside. / Before I knew it, the weekend was gone.
2. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time, at the last moment.
Example: I finished my homework in the nick of time before the bus came! / We got to the store in the nick of time to buy the last ticket.
Put Differently: I barely finished my work before the deadline. / We almost missed it but made it just in time.
3. Kill time
Meaning: To pass time while waiting for something.
Example: We played cards to kill time before the movie started. / I watched TV to kill time while waiting for my friend.
Put Differently: I did something fun to pass the time. / I found something to do while I waited.
4. Ahead of time
Meaning: Before the expected or scheduled time.
Example: We arrived ahead of time for the concert. / She finished her project ahead of time.
Put Differently: We got there early to get good seats. / She did her work earlier than planned.
5. In no time
Meaning: Very quickly or soon.
Example: He ate his lunch in no time. We’ll be home in no time if we hurry!
Put Differently: He finished his meal really fast. / We’ll get there very quickly if we move fast.
6. Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable, and wasting it is like wasting money.
Example: If you wait too long, you’ll waste time and money. / We need to hurry because time is money.
Put Differently: We need to work fast because time is precious. / Don’t waste your time, it’s very important.
7. Take your time
Meaning: Do something slowly and without rushing.
Example: Take your time to finish your homework; there’s no rush. / You don’t have to hurry, take your time with the puzzle.
Put Differently: You can go slow, there’s no need to rush. / Don’t rush, you have enough time.
8. Time will tell
Meaning: The truth or results will be known in the future.
Example: If the new restaurant is good, time will tell. / You’ll see if it works out, time will tell.
Put Differently: We’ll find out later if it’s a good idea. / We’ll know the answer as time goes on.
9. At the last minute
Meaning: Just before it is too late.
Example: I finished my homework at the last minute! / He bought the tickets at the last minute, just before they sold out.
Put Differently: I barely finished in time. / He did it right before the deadline.
10. On borrowed time
Meaning: Living or working with the knowledge that something will end soon.
Example: After the accident, he felt like he was on borrowed time. / The old computer was on borrowed time, so we bought a new one.
Put Differently: He knew his time was running out. / The computer was about to break, so we replaced it.
11. The eleventh hour
Meaning: The last possible moment.
Example: We finished the project at the eleventh hour. / He decided to take the test at the eleventh hour.
Put Differently: We did it right before it was too late. / He made the decision just in time.
12. Take time
Meaning: To spend time doing something carefully.
Example: Take your time to think about the answer. / Don’t rush; take time to enjoy your meal.
Put Differently: Think carefully before you decide. / Enjoy what you’re doing without rushing.
13. In the long run
Meaning: Over a long period of time.
Example: Exercising every day will help you in the long run. / Saving a little bit of money every week will help in the long run.
Put Differently: Over time, you will get better. / Little by little, it will add up.
14. Time to time
Meaning: Occasionally, not often.
Example: I visit my grandmother from time to time. / We go out for dinner from time to time.
Put Differently: Sometimes I visit her. / We go out once in a while.
15. Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.
Example: I finally finished my chores, better late than never! / You’re here at the party; better late than never.
Put Differently: I was late, but at least I did it. / You made it to the party, even if it took time.
16. Time to spare
Meaning: Extra time after finishing something early.
Example: We finished the race with time to spare. / I completed my homework with time to spare.
Put Differently: We finished early and had extra time. / I was done and had a little time left.
17. Against the clock
Meaning: Working hard to finish something before time runs out.
Example: We were working against the clock to finish the project. / She was racing against the clock to finish her homework.
Put Differently: We had to hurry to get it done. / She was trying to finish before time was up.
18. Put off until tomorrow
Meaning: To delay doing something until a later time.
Example: I put off doing my chores until tomorrow. / Don’t put off your homework until the last minute.
Put Differently: I decided to do it later. / Don’t wait to do it until the last moment.
19. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To work harder to catch up after wasting time.
Example: After being sick, I had to make up for lost time at school. / I missed a week of practice, so I had to make up for lost time.
Put Differently: I worked extra hard to catch up. / I did more work because I missed some.
20. Only time will tell
Meaning: We will only know the outcome in the future.
Example: We’ll see if she likes the movie; only time will tell. / If the plan works, only time will tell.
Put Differently: We will find out later. / We won’t know until later.
21. Time is on your side
Meaning: You have plenty of time to do something.
Example: Don’t worry, time is on your side to finish the project. / You still have time to get ready; time is on your side.
Put Differently: You have enough time to do it. / There’s no rush; you have all the time you need.
22. Like clockwork
Meaning: Happening in a very regular and predictable way.
Example: The bus arrives like clockwork every day at 8:00. / The meeting ran like clockwork, starting and ending on time.
Put Differently: It was very predictable and on time. / Everything happened as planned, without delay.
23. Lost track of time
Meaning: To forget how much time has passed because you were busy.
Example: I was having so much fun, I lost track of time! / I lost track of time while reading my favorite book.
Put Differently: I forgot about the time because I was enjoying myself. / I didn’t realize how much time had passed.
24. A race against time
Meaning: Working quickly to finish something before time runs out.
Example: It was a race against time to finish the science project. / We were racing against time to catch the bus.
Put Differently: We had to hurry to get it done. / We had to work fast to finish before the deadline.
25. All in good time
Meaning: Something will happen when the right moment comes.
Example: Don’t rush, everything will happen in good time. / You’ll get the answer all in good time.
Put Differently: Things will happen when the time is right. / Wait patiently; it will come when it’s time.
26. Have time on your hands
Meaning: To have extra time because there’s nothing to do.
Example: After finishing my homework, I had time on my hands. / I had time on my hands while waiting for the train.
Put Differently: I had free time after I finished. / I didn’t have anything to do, so I had extra time.
27. Time heals all wounds
Meaning: Time will help you feel better after something sad or hurtful.
Example: Don’t worry, time heals all wounds after you lose a pet. / It’s hard now, but time heals all wounds.
Put Differently: You’ll feel better after some time has passed. / Things will get easier as time goes by.
28. On the dot
Meaning: Exactly on time.
Example: The meeting started on the dot at 10:00. / He showed up on the dot for his appointment.
Put Differently: It started exactly at 10:00. / He was right on time.
29. Time and tide wait for no man
Meaning: Time continues to pass, and we cannot stop it.
Example: Don’t waste your time, time and tide wait for no man. / You can’t stop time, time and tide wait for no man.
Put Differently: Time keeps moving, whether you’re ready or not. / Time will keep going, so don’t wait.
30. In the meantime
Meaning: The time between now and when something happens.
Example: The concert starts in an hour, so we can eat in the meantime. / The movie is starting soon, but let’s play a game in the meantime.
Put Differently: While we wait for the next event, let’s do something. / We can use this time to do something else.
31. No time like the present
Meaning: The best time to do something is now.
Example: If you want to start your homework, there’s no time like the present. / There’s no time like the present to make a decision.
Put Differently: Start now; there’s no better time. / Don’t wait; the best time to do it is right now.
32. Time to time
Meaning: Occasionally or sometimes.
Example: We go to the park from time to time. / I watch that movie from time to time.
Put Differently: We go there sometimes. / I watch it every once in a while.
33. It’s high time
Meaning: It is the right time to do something, especially when it’s been delayed.
Example: It’s high time we got to work on the project! / It’s high time we cleaned the house.
Put Differently: It’s about time we started. / It’s the right time to do it.
34. Make time for
Meaning: To create time in your schedule to do something.
Example: I will make time for you tomorrow to play games. / We should make time for lunch together.
Put Differently: I’ll find time to do that. / Let’s plan to do that soon.
35. From dawn to dusk
Meaning: From morning until night.
Example: We worked on the project from dawn to dusk. / She played outside from dawn to dusk during summer vacation.
Put Differently: We worked all day long. / She was outside the entire day.
36. Time on your hands
Meaning: Extra time to do something.
Example: He had time on his hands after school, so he played outside. / I have some time on my hands to read.
Put Differently: I have free time. / He has some time to spare.
37. At the drop of a hat
Meaning: To do something immediately and without hesitation.
Example: She will help at the drop of a hat if you need it. / He will start working at the drop of a hat.
Put Differently: She will start right away. / He will do it as soon as possible.
38. A watched pot never boils
Meaning: Time seems to pass slower when you are waiting for something.
Example: Don’t just sit there; a watched pot never boils! / You’re waiting for your food to cook, but a watched pot never boils.
Put Differently: Things seem to take longer when you’re focused on waiting. / Time feels slower when you’re watching the clock.
39. Take your sweet time
Meaning: To do something slowly and without rushing.
Example: Take your sweet time getting ready for school. / He was taking his sweet time eating his lunch.
t Differently: Don’t rush; take it slow. / He was enjoying his meal slowly.
40. Run out of time
Meaning: To have no time left.
Example: We ran out of time before we could finish the game. / I ran out of time to study for the test.
Put Differently: We didn’t have enough time. / I didn’t finish because time was up.
“Rewrite the Sentence” Activity: Idioms about Time Passing
Below are 10 sentences that describe situations related to time. These sentences do not use any idioms. Your task is to rewrite each sentence using one of the idioms about time passing. Make sure your new sentence sounds natural and makes sense.
Sentences to Rewrite
- I didn’t get to finish my homework before the bus came.
- The concert started at 8:00 and we were there right when it began.
- We had to wait for the bus and I felt like the time was going really slowly.
- I finished my chores quickly, but now I have nothing to do.
- I was really busy doing my project and didn’t notice how quickly time passed.
- I had just enough time to buy the last ticket before the store closed.
- I was so excited to go on the trip, I couldn’t wait for the day to arrive.
- We were racing to finish the game before the bell rang.
- I was really excited when I finally finished my puzzle after working on it for a long time.
- I had to stop doing my homework because there wasn’t enough time left.
Answer Key
- I ran out of time before the bus came and I couldn’t finish my homework.
- We were there on the dot when the concert started at 8:00.
- I felt like a watched pot never boils while waiting for the bus.
- I finished my chores quickly, and now I have time on my hands.
- I didn’t notice how quickly time passed because I was lost track of time doing my project.
- I got the last ticket in the nick of time before the store closed.
- I was so excited for the trip, time seemed to fly until it finally came.
- We were racing against time to finish the game before the bell rang.
- I felt like I had made up for lost time when I finally finished my puzzle.I had to stop my homework because there was no time like the present to finish it before bed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using idioms about time passing helps us talk about the way time feels in different situations. These idioms can make our conversations more fun and interesting. They help us express how fast or slow time moves, whether we’re waiting for something, working against a deadline, or making the most of our time.
By practicing these idioms, you can better understand how time works in different contexts, whether it’s during school, with friends, or at home. The more you use them, the easier it will be to add them naturally into your everyday conversations. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll feel comfortable using idioms about time in a fun and meaningful way!
