Time to talk idioms: A comprehensive guide to idioms about time

Idioms often never translate directly to another language as they have a meaning that doesn’t make sense. While these idioms are related to time, remember that English is a living language. We often have meanings that can vary across English-speaking regions. The following list of idioms of time will help you better understand native speakers in the proper context. This article will lay out some general terms plus some used when representing specific parts of time: past time, future time, speed of time, and time & opportunity.

Idioms about time

A stitch in time saves nine – It’s better to deal with a problem or difficulty as soon as it arises, rather than ignoring it and allowing it to become bigger and more difficult to fix later.
Example: I noticed a small leak in the roof, but I fixed it right away. A stitch in time saves nine, you know?

A whale of a time – Having a very enjoyable and exciting experience.
Example: The kids had a whale of a time at the amusement park.

Against the clock – Rushing to do something before a deadline.
Example: We are rushing against the clock to get finished before the deadline.

Around the clock – Continuously, 24 hours a day.
Example: We have around-the-clock security. (Note: hyphens are not required. It’s up to your personal style. They do help make words run together easier.)

All in good time – Something will happen eventually, but it shouldn’t be rushed. It expresses patience and suggests that the desired outcome will occur when the time is right.
Example: He’ll get over it all in good time.

Beat the clock – To finish something before a deadline or before time runs out.
Example: He was trying to beat the clock and submit his application before midnight.

Before your time – Something that happened before you were born or existed.
Example: That music was before your time.

Behind the times – Outdated, not modern.
Example: John is behind the times. He’s never had a smartphone.

Better late than never – It’s preferable to do something late than not at all.
Example: Hey, it’s better late than never. Thanks for wishing me a happy birthday.

Crack of dawn – The very first light of day, just as the sun is beginning to rise. Sometimes, you may hear native speakers say, “butt of dawn” as a further play on words as the slit between you butt cheeks is called a crack.
Example: The farmers are up at the crack of dawn to start their work.

Day in, day out – Every single day, continuously.
Example: We are grinding day in, day out to get this work done.

From time to time – Occasionally, sometimes.
Example: From time to time, I like to eat something sweet.

In the nick of time – Just in time, at the last possible moment.
Example: I turned in my final project in the nick of time.

Kill time – To do something to pass the time while waiting.
Example: We could go to the mall to kill time.

Make up for lost time – To do something quickly to compensate for lost time.
Example: We were an hour late this morning so we need to make up for lost time.

Living on borrowed time – Someone or something is continuing to exist or function for longer than was expected, especially when facing a serious threat, illness, or dangerous situation.
Example: The company was on the verge of bankruptcy, but they managed to secure new funding. They’re still living on borrowed time, though.

Once in a blue moon – Very rarely.
Example: I’ll have a beer once in a blue moon.

Only time will tell – The outcome of a situation or the answer to a question will only be revealed in the future.
Example: Will they stay together? Only time will tell.

On the dot – Exactly on time.
Example: It is four o’clock on the dot.

Pressed for time – Having very little time.
Example: We need to get started soon as we are pressed for time.

Time flies when you’re having fun – Time seems to pass quickly when you’re enjoying yourself.
Example: Look at the time! I can’t believe it is 9 PM. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Time is of the essence – Time is crucial and important.
Example: Time is of the essence, team. The deadline will be here before we know it.

Time is on my side – Someone has the advantage of having plenty of time to achieve their goal or for a situation to develop in their favor.
Example: Time is on your side, John. You’re a young lad.

Too much time on your hands – Someone has a lot of free time and not enough to do.
Example: You have too much time on your hands if you’re constantly pranking others.

Time will tell – The future will reveal the answer or outcome.
Example: I don’t know if the economy will get better. Only time will tell.

Turn back the hands of time – A desire or fantasy to go back to a previous time, often to change something that happened, relive a positive experience, or undo a mistake.
Example: If only I could turn back the hands of time, then, I would have chosen a different career path.

Past time

A blast from the past – Something that reminds you of the past.
Example: That record store is a blast from the past.

Back in the day – In the past, in earlier times.
Example: We didn’t have those back in the day.

Long time no see – It’s been a while since I last saw you.
Example: Is that you, Sue? Long time no see.

Once upon a time – Used to begin fairy tales or stories.
Example: Once upon a time, there was a boy who had no hair.

Those were the days – Remembering good times in the past.
Example: Boy, those were the days. I miss the good ol‘ days.

Future time

Down the road – In the future.
Example: We can get a new TV down the road.

In due course – Eventually, in time.
Example: We will get a new car in due course.

In the long run – Over a long period of time.
Example: You will find out how hard raising children can be in the long run.

Make time for – To schedule time for something.
Example: You need to make time for you children.

Speed of time

A matter of time – It will happen eventually.
Example: You’ll see what I’m talking about in a matter of time.

Before you can say Jack Robinson – Very quickly, in a short amount of time.
Example: We’ll be there before you can say Jack Robinson.

In no time – Very quickly.
Example: Kids grow up in no time.

Time and opportunity

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – Don’t rely on something good happening until it’s actually happened.
Example: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. The other side could easily win this election. Not everyone thinks like us.

Strike while the iron is hot – To take advantage of an opportunity while it lasts.
Example: We have to strike while the iron is hot or we may lose our opportunity.

The early bird gets the worm – Those who arrive early have the best chance of success.
Example: Mom always said, “The early bird gets the worm.” We have to rise early and work hard.