Introduction
Time is a concept that pervades every aspect of our lives. We’re always trying to manage it, save it, and sometimes even kill it. It’s no surprise then that time has woven itself into the fabric of our language through idioms. Time idioms not only add colour and depth to our conversations but also provide insight into cultural attitudes towards time. For English learners, mastering these idioms can be a gateway to understanding colloquial speech and expressing oneself more fluently. So, let’s take a journey through 20 fun and essential time idioms that every English learner should know.
- Against the Clock: When you’re working against the clock, you’re under pressure to finish something before a deadline. This idiom is perfect for describing situations where time is of the essence, like completing a project or catching a flight.
Example: Jane worked against the clock to finish her presentation before the deadline. - A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: This timeless proverbial idiom emphasizes the importance of addressing a problem early on to prevent it from becoming larger and more difficult to deal with later. It’s a reminder that investing a little time now can save you a lot of time and effort in the future.
Example: Fixing the leaky roof now is a stitch in time that will save us from major repairs later. - Ahead of One’s Time: If someone is ahead of their time, they possess ideas or attitudes that are more advanced or progressive than those of their contemporaries. Think of visionaries and innovators who introduce groundbreaking concepts that take time for society to catch up to.
Example: Marie Curie was ahead of her time with her groundbreaking research on radioactivity. - All in Good Time: This idiom is a gentle way of saying something will happen when the time is right or circumstances allow it. It’s a reminder to be patient and trust that things will unfold in due course.
Example: Your efforts will pay off, just be patient; all in good time.
. - Bide One’s Time: Similar to “all in good time,” this idiom advises patience and waiting for the right moment to act or speak. It implies a readiness to wait for the opportune time rather than rushing into something prematurely.
Example: He bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to propose to his girlfriend. - Better Late Than Never: Often used to offer reassurance or forgiveness for tardiness, this idiom suggests that it’s preferable to complete a task or arrive late than to not do so at all. It acknowledges the value of making an effort, even if delayed.
Example: I know I missed the deadline, but here’s my report—better late than never, right? - Time on your hands: This phrase refers to having an abundance of free time or idle hours. English learners can use this expression to describe periods of leisure or downtime, offering insights into their availability or schedule.
- Example: With ample vacation days accrued, Sarah found herself with time on her hands and decided to finally tackle her reading list.
- Crunch Time: When it’s crunch time, the pressure is on, and there’s little room for error. This idiom is commonly used in contexts where a decisive moment or final push is required, such as during exams or in business negotiations.
Example: It’s crunch time for the team as they prepare for the championship game. - Day in, Day out: Describing something that happens regularly or routinely, this idiom emphasizes the repetitive nature of certain activities. It underscores the passage of time through the monotony of daily life.
Example: Day in, day out, he follows the same routine—work, eat, sleep. - Race Against Time: Similar to “against the clock,” this idiom implies a frantic effort to complete something before it’s too late. It often conveys a sense of urgency and the looming threat of a deadline or impending disaster.
Example: Firefighters raced against time to rescue the survivors trapped in the burning building. - Time Flies When You’re Having Fun: This idiom encapsulates the subjective experience of time passing quickly when engaged in enjoyable activities. It highlights how our perception of time can vary depending on our level of engagement and enjoyment.
Example: We didn’t realize it was midnight already; time flies when you’re having fun at the party. - Time Is Money: Popularized by Benjamin Franklin, this idiom emphasizes the value of time and its equivalence to financial wealth. It underscores the importance of using time wisely and efficiently, as wasted time equates to lost opportunities and potential earnings.
Example: In business, time is money, so efficiency is crucial for success. - Time Waits for No Man: This proverbial idiom serves as a reminder of the relentless and impartial nature of time. It suggests that time marches on regardless of individual circumstances or desires, urging us to make the most of the time we have.
Example: I need to seize every opportunity because time waits for no man. - In the Nick of Time: When something happens in the nick of time, it occurs at the very last moment before it’s too late. This idiom is often used to describe narrowly avoiding disaster or meeting a deadline by the slimmest of margins.
Example: The paramedics arrived just in the nick of time to save the drowning child. - Killing Time: This idiom refers to passing time aimlessly or engaging in activities to fill idle moments, especially when waiting for something else to happen. It implies a sense of boredom or impatience with the current situation.
Example: I’m just killing time at the airport until my flight boards. - Make Up for Lost Time: When you make up for lost time, you compensate for time that has been wasted or lost in the past by being particularly productive or active in the present. It’s about seizing the opportunity to rectify past shortcomings.
Example: After being sick for weeks, Sarah is determined to make up for lost time by studying extra hard. - Time Heals All Wounds: This comforting idiom suggests that with time, emotional pain and suffering will diminish or disappear entirely. It speaks to the human spirit’s resilience and the natural healing process over time.
Example: Losing a loved one is painful, but remember, time heals all wounds. - Time Is of the Essence: When time is of the essence, it means that completing a task or achieving a goal depends on acting quickly and efficiently. This idiom emphasises the critical importance of time in a given situation.
Example: We need to act quickly; time is of the essence if we want to catch the last train. - Time Out of Mind: This idiom refers to a time so far in the past that it’s beyond memory or recollection. It suggests a deep antiquity or obscurity as if the events occurred in a distant, untraceable past.
Example: The ruins date back to a time out of mind, long before recorded history. - Waste of Time: Finally, an idiom that needs no explanation. A waste of time refers to any activity or endeavour that is considered pointless, unproductive, or not worth the investment of time and effort.
Example: Watching mindless TV shows is just a waste of time when I could be learning something new.
Conclusion
Time idioms are not just linguistic quirks; they offer insights into how we perceive and interact with time in our daily lives. Mastering these idioms is not only beneficial for English learners in terms of language proficiency but also provides valuable cultural and philosophical insights. So, take your time to learn and appreciate these idioms, and remember, time flies when you’re having fun with language!
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https://fluent-eng.com/exploring-engaging-english-podcasts-for-esl-learners/
Thanks Anny