Considering that time is such a critical element in our lives, it’s no surprise that the word time should crop up so often in English idiomatic usage. Here’s a list of phrases that refer directly to time.
1. a devil of a time: said of an ordeal
2. a legend in one’s own time: one who gains renown within his or her lifetime (also inspired “a legend in (one’s) own mind,” referring to an egotistical person who believes himself or herself to be more significant than he or she actually is)
3–4. a matter/question of time: said in reference to a state that will soon change
5. a rare old time: an enjoyable experience
6. a race against time: said of trying to accomplish something critical in a short time frame
7. a stitch in time: the first half of a proverb (ending with “saves nine” and with an obscure origin) that refers to the wisdom of taking precaution
8. a whale of a (good) time: an especially exciting or fun experience
9. ahead of time: before the agreed time
10. ahead of (one’s) time: said of someone or something that has an innovative approach or style or one that the world is not ready for
11. all in good time: an expression that encourages patience
12. all the time in the world: an unlimited amount of time
13. all the time: in addition to referring to habitual or continuous occurrence, can refer to knowing about something throughout a given period
14. at a set time: at the agreed time
15. at all times: always
16. at no time: never
17. at the appointed time: at the agreed time
18. bad time: an inconvenient moment or an unfortunate experience
19. before (one’s) time: said of something that existed or occurred before one was born or when one was too young to recall that thing, or said in reference to someone’s unexpectedly early death
20–21. behind its time/the times: late, not keeping up, or obsolete
22. bide (one’s) time: be patient
23. big-time operator: someone who is or thinks he or she is important or influential
24. big-time spender: one who spends a lot of money, or said ironically about a frugal person
25. borrowed time: an uncertain amount of time, at the end of which something will no longer exist or occur
26. buy time: postpone an event for one’s advantage
27. by the time: said in reference to a time after something else has occurred
28. caught in a time warp: unchanged in an antiquated or obsolete way
29. crunch time: a critical period
30. face time: time spent in someone else’s company
31. for the time being: for now
32. from time to time: occasionally
33. do (the) time: serve time in jail or prison
34. down time: rest period
35. get the time: become available
36. give (one) a hard time: be critical
37. good-time Charlie: one who seeks pleasure
38. good times: pleasant experiences
39. hardly have time to breathe: said when one is busy
40. have a time of it: experience difficulty
41. having quite a time: having a pleasurable experience, or having difficulty
42. have time on (one’s side): don’t have to hurry
43. I’ll catch you some other time: I’ll talk to you later when it’s more convenient for you
44. in next to no time: almost instantly
45. in the fullness of time: after enough time passes
46. in the right place at the right time: in a figurative sense, fortuitously prepared for some eventuality; also, literally, located in a position that is advantageous or fortunate
47. it’s about time: said to express impatience, or relief that something has finally occurred (usually accompanied by an exclamation point)
48. it’s high time: it is the appropriate time; one has waited long enough
49. keep time: maintain the beat in music
50. lose no time: do something immediately
51. make good time: proceed quickly or in a reasonable amount of time
52. make time for: set aside a period of time to accommodate someone or something
53. make up for lost time: catch up on time wasted or as a result of going slowly or not going at all
54. mark time: wait
55. not able to call (one’s) time (one’s) own: too busy
56. old-time: old-fashioned
57. on time: punctual
58. once upon a time: long ago
59. out of time: said in reference to no longer having time to do something
60. pass the time (of day) with: chat with
61. pressed for time: lacking enough time to do something
62. run that by me one more time: say that again
63. sands of time: a poetic reference to the passage of time as represented by sand in an hourglass
64. the big time: said in reference to achieving prominence in some endeavor
65. the time has come: the occasion is appropriate
66. the time of (one’s) life: a memorable experience
67. time and tide wait for no man: the world makes no allowance for one being late
68. time bomb: something that will inevitably result in a negative consequence
69. time flies: a reference to the fleeting nature of time
70. time is money: time is important because using it wisely or unwisely affects one’s ability to earn money
71. time on (one’s) hands: spare time
72. time out: in sports, a short period when play ceases; by extension, a break from activity (also used as the announcement of a request for a time out, as is time by itself)
73. (stuck in a) time warp: said in reference to observing something that or someone who appears outdated
74. time was: there was a time when
75. time’s a-wastin’: time is running out
76. time to hit the road: time to depart
77. time works wonders: the passage of time resolves problems
78. when the time is ripe: when the time is appropriate
79. withstand the test of time: endure
80. wouldn’t give (one) the time of day to: ignored
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By Robby Kukurs
If you are new here please read this first.
Hello my friends foreign English speakers!
As you may already know, the English Harmony blog is all about showing you how English fluency can be achieved by doing loads of spoken English practice in combination with acquiring plenty of naturally occurring speech patterns and using them.
And in case you’re wondering – what the heck is a “naturally occurring speech pattern” anyway? – just let me spell it out for you – it’s a phrase, an expression, a word combination.
So, this time around we’re going to look at English phrases involving the word TIME, and there’s a good chance that you haven’t heard all of them so this is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to expand your English phrase pool.
And please bear in mind – make sure to repeat these phrases out loud and say at least a few sample sentences. Just because you’re reading them, doesn’t mean you’ll be able to use them, you’re just going to add them to your passive vocabulary.
So, are you ready?
It’s about time – this is a very handy English phrase to have at your disposal, and it can be used whenever you want to indicate that something is about to begin, or maybe you want to finish a conversation with someone: “OK Jimmy, it’s about time we carried on with our work, we only have one hour left to go!” And did you notice something weird in the sample sentence? Yes, this phrase demands the Past Tense after it, so bear it in mind: “It’s about time I stopped this relationship”, “It’s about time we went inside, the storm is coming!”
Big time – no matter how short, even a two-word combination can be very useful and help you big time to express yourself properly in certain situations, and this one is no exception. Now, did you just notice I already used this phrase in the previous sentence? So, just to clarify – this phrase simply means “a lot”, and here’s another sample sentence for you: “Listen, have you forgotten that Mike helped you big time when you were in trouble? So now it’s your turn to help him!”
From time to time – this English phrase referencing time simply means “sometimes”, here’s an example: “I would have some issues with my car from time to time, but for the most part it’s running just fine!” And in case you’re wondering – “well, if it means “sometimes”, why can’t I just say “sometimes” instead?” – the answer is – well, yes, you can, but if you use a phrase like this one, it will make you sound more native-like and fluent!
This time around – this phrase implies that whoever is the person saying this, they’ve already been involved in the process before, basically this isn’t the first time they’re making the announcement. “Now, this time around we’re going to look at the following…” – from the context alone you can gather that this time is just one time in a series of repeated events.
Time and time again – typically this English time related idiom is used when someone wants to emphasize the fact that something is happening again and again, and more often than not the connotation would be a negative one: “I keep telling her time and time again that she should spend more time doing her homework, but she just doesn’t listen!”
There was this time when – this is a very handy way of telling a story about something specific that happened at some stage in the past. Personally I love this phrase as it allows you to captivate your listeners’ attention – “There was this time when I was working in a coffee shop, and you know who walked in one day? John Travolta, no kidding!”
Hitting an all-time high – this is somewhat an industry-specific phrase and would be used when discussing finances and economy: “Now, according to the latest reports, the level of unemployment in the region is now hitting an all-time high of 17.5% which is an outrageous figure!”
How are we fixed for time? – you’d be most likely using this phrase when starting a meeting or some sort of a formal conversation and making sure that the people involved won’t be running out of time anytime soon – “So, Max, Tracey, now I want to run over some quarterly sales figures with you, how are we fixed for time?”
A number of times – as simple as this English collocation is, it’s still a very valid phrase. It’s pretty self-explanatory, and here’s an example sentence where you can see this phrase in action: “I’ve taken that road a number of times, but I’ve never noticed there was a derelict building on the left, that’s weird!”
In the meantime – let’s start with an example so you can see exactly how this phrase is used: “OK, I’m going to check out this information for you, in the meantime, do you mind doing something else for me?” Basically this phrase is used to describe a process or an event which is taking place while something else is going on.
While at the same time – this is a very handy phrase to be used in situations when you have to describe two things one of which is being contrasted with the other one – “Have you noticed that Rashid is very quiet and keeps mostly to himself while at the same time Tanja is full of life and is always running around with other kids?”
Running out of time – I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, but in case you haven’t – this idiomatic expression describes a situation when there’s no more time left to get something done. “I’m sorry, but you’re running out of time and by the looks of it, you’re not going to be able to finish all the exam questions.”
Having a hard time – are you having a hard time developing your English fluency? Well – guess what? – I bet you don’t spend enough time opening your mouth and practicing your English, am I not right? Just to specify – “having a hard time” means having difficulties with something; in other words, it’s when you find something difficult.
* * *
Now, I hope you’ll find this phrase list useful my friends, and just to remind you, please make sure you read these phrases out loud and come up with a number of sample sentences for each.
Remember – if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it – and English phraseology and your ability to use it is no different!
Robby
P.S. Are you serious about your spoken English improvement? Check out my English Harmony System HERE!
P.S. Are you serious about your spoken English improvement? Check out the English Harmony System HERE!
The following idioms and expressions use ‘time’. Each idiom or expression has a definition and two example sentences to help to understand these common idiomatic expressions with ‘time’. Once you have studied these expressions, test your knowledge with quiz testing idioms and expressions with time.
Ahead of One’s Time
Definition: To be more talented than others recognize.
He’s ahead of his time. No one knows how important his discoveries are.
She’s always felt that she was ahead of her time, so she isn’t disappointed.
Ahead of Time
Definition: Before the agreed-upon time.
I think we’ll get there ahead of time.
Wow, we’re ahead of time today. Let’s keep it up!
All in Good Time
Definition: Within a reasonable amount of time.
I’ll get to you all in good time. Please be patient.
Her professor kept on saying that she’d be successful, but that it would be all in good time.
At a Set Time
Definition: At an agreed-upon time.
We’ll meet at the set time.
Let’s make sure that we meet at a set time.
At All Times
Definition: Always
Make sure to keep your seat belts on at all times.
Students need to pay attention at all times.
At the Appointed Time
Definition: At an agreed-upon time.
We’ll meet at the appointed time and place.
Did you get into the doctor’s office at the appointed time?
Behind the Times
Definition: Not fashionable, not up on current fashions.
My Dad is so behind the times!
She dresses like it was the 70s she’s behind the times!
To Bide One’s Time
Definition: To wait.
I’m biding my time until he arrives.
She decided to bide her time in a shop.
From Time to Time
Definition: Occasionally
I like playing golf from time to time.
Petra speaks with Tom from time to time.
Have the Time of One’s Life
Definition: Have a fantastic experience.
My daughter had the time of her life in Disneyland.
Believe me. You’re going to have the time of your life.
Keep Time
Definition: Keep the beat in music.
Can you keep time while we practice this piece?
He kept time with his foot.
Live on Borrowed Time
Definition: To live dangerously.
He’s living on borrowed time if he keeps that up!
She felt she was living on borrowed time because she smoked.
Make Time for Something or Someone
Definition: Create a period of time especially for a thing or person.
I need to make some extra time for reading.
I’ll make time for you on Saturday.
Out of Time
Definition: Not having any more time available.
I’m afraid we’re out of time for today.
You’re out of time for that competition.
Pressed for Time
Definition: To not have a lot of time to do something.
I’m pressed for time today. Hurry up!
She couldn’t see me because she was pressed for time.
Time Is Money
Definition: An expression meaning that someone’s time is important.
Remember that time is money, let’s hurry up.
Time is money, Tim. If you want to talk, it’s going to cost you.
When the Time Is Ripe
Definition: When it is the proper time.
We’ll get there when the time is ripe!
Don’t worry you’ll be successful when the time is ripe.
Once you have studied these expressions, test your knowledge with quiz testing idioms and expressions with time.
Collocations with “TIME” in English! As the pace of life increases, time is what people need the most. Let’s learn how to talk about time with these collocations with time…
List of Collocations with Time
Here is the list of collocations with the word Time in English:
- Spend time
- Waste time
- Save time
- Tell someone the time.
- Run out of time
- It’s about time
- Have time to
- Make time for
- Kill time
- Take your time
- Bang/dead/right on the time
- Free/Spare Time
- On Time
- Just In Time
- Have A Hard/Rough Time
- Run Out Of Time
Time Collocations with Examples
1. Spend time
- Meaning: To pass your time doing some activity
- Example: I spent sometimes in South America when I was younger.
2. Waste time
- Meaning: Doing something that is not a good use of time.
- Example: Don’t do it like that. You’re wasting time.
3. Save time
- Meaning: Something that is efficient and gives you extra time
- Example: People love shopping online because it saves time.
4. Tell someone the time.
- Example: Can you tell me the time, please? – Oh, I left my watch at home.
5. Run out of time
- Meaning: Have no more time before the limit.
- Example: The bell rings and we run out of time before finishing the test.
6. It’s about time
- Meaning: Finally!
- Example: It’s about time for me to go to bed.
7. Have time to
- Meaning: Be available to do something.
- Example: I’d like to take violin lessons, but I don’t have enough time.
- I’m sorry! I didn’t have time to do my homework.
8. Make time for
- Meaning: To “create” time in a busy schedule.
- Example: The doctor’s very busy but he’ll try to make time for you.
9. Kill time
- Meaning: To fill in the time while you are waiting to do something you have planned.
- Example: We got the airport very early, so we had a meal in the restaurant to kill time.
10. Take your time
- Example: No need to hurry, you can take your time.
11. Bang/dead/right on the time
- Meaning: Exactly on time
- Example: The train left bad/dead/right on the time.
12. Free/Spare Time
- Meaning: Time in which you have no obligations, and you can do whatever you want.
- Example: In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, and cooking.
13. On Time
- Meaning: On schedule, at the right time.
- Example: It’s important to arrive on time for a job interview.
14. Just In Time
- Meaning: At the perfect time, soon before something else happens
- Example: Hi, Henry! Have a seat – you got here just in time for dinner.
15. Have A Hard/Rough Time
- Meaning: Something difficult, or a difficult period in life.
- Example: I’m having a hard time solving this math problem. Could you help me?
16. Run Out Of Time
- Meaning: Have no more time before the limit.
- Example: I ran out of time before I finished the test, so I couldn’t answer the last question.
Collocations with TIME | Image
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