Mastering Time: Idioms About the Passage of Time

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Understanding idioms is crucial for mastering English, and idioms about time are particularly important. These expressions add color and depth to your language, allowing you to express nuances that literal language often misses.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to idioms related to the passage of time, offering definitions, examples, and practical exercises to help you integrate these expressions into your everyday communication. This guide is perfect for English language learners, teachers, and anyone who wants to enrich their vocabulary and improve their fluency.

By exploring these idioms, you’ll not only enhance your understanding of the English language but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural context in which these expressions are used. Whether you’re preparing for an exam, improving your professional communication, or simply enjoying literature and conversation, mastering idioms about time will undoubtedly prove beneficial.

Table of Contents

Definition of Idioms About Time Passing

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it. It’s a figurative way of speaking where the intended meaning differs from the literal meaning of the words.

Idioms about time passing are a specific subset of idioms that relate to how we perceive, manage, or discuss the concept of time. They often convey a sense of urgency, delay, nostalgia, or the relentless march of time itself.

These idioms can be classified based on the aspect of time they address. Some focus on the speed at which time seems to move (e.g., “time flies”), while others highlight the importance of punctuality (e.g., “on the dot”).

Still others may reflect on past events or future expectations. The function of these idioms is to add color and expressiveness to our language, enabling us to communicate more vividly and effectively.

Structural Breakdown of Time Idioms

Time idioms, like any other idiom, don’t follow rigid grammatical rules in terms of their internal structure. Instead, they are fixed expressions that must be used exactly as they are.

However, we can analyze their components to understand how they function within a sentence.

Many time idioms include verbs, nouns, and prepositions that, when combined, create a unique meaning. For example, in the idiom “against the clock,” “against” is a preposition, “the” is an article, and “clock” is a noun.

The phrase as a whole means “rushing to meet a deadline.” The structural components contribute to the overall idiomatic meaning, even though the literal meanings of the individual words do not fully explain the idiom’s meaning.

Understanding the underlying components of time idioms can help you remember and use them correctly. While you can’t change the words within the idiom, you can adjust the surrounding sentence structure to fit the context.

For example, you can say “He was working against the clock” or “They had to race against the clock.”

Types of Idioms About Time

Idioms about time can be categorized based on the specific aspect of time they emphasize. Here are several major types:

General Time Idioms

These idioms refer to the general concept of time, its nature, or its passage. Examples include “time flies,” “kill time,” and “in the nick of time.”

Speed-Related Time Idioms

These idioms describe how fast or slow time seems to be passing. Examples include “time flies when you’re having fun” and “at a snail’s pace.”

Waiting-Related Time Idioms

These idioms focus on the act of waiting and the associated feelings. Examples include “bide one’s time” and “mark time.”

Deadline-Related Time Idioms

These idioms relate to meeting deadlines or dealing with time constraints. Examples include “against the clock” and “pressed for time.”

Past-Related Time Idioms

These idioms involve reflecting on or remembering the past. Examples include “back in the day” and “a blast from the past.”

Examples of Idioms About Time

Here are numerous examples of idioms related to time, categorized for easier understanding. Each table contains several example sentences to illustrate the usage of each idiom.

General Time Idioms

This section presents idioms related to the general concept of time.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Time flies Time passes quickly. Time flies when you’re having fun.
Kill time To do something to make time pass. We had to kill time at the airport because our flight was delayed.
In the nick of time Just in time, at the last possible moment. The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.
Around the clock All day and all night, continuously. The nurses worked around the clock to care for the patients.
Call it a day To stop working on something. It’s getting late; let’s call it a day.
Once in a blue moon Very rarely. I only go to the theater once in a blue moon.
The time is ripe The moment is perfect for something. The time is ripe for launching the new product.
Lost for words Unable to think of anything to say, usually because of surprise. I was lost for words when I heard the news.
Better late than never It’s better to do something late than not at all. I know I’m late with the report, but better late than never.
A sign of the times Something that is typical of the present time. The increasing use of technology in classrooms is a sign of the times.
Third time’s a charm The third attempt at something is often successful. I failed twice, but third time’s a charm!
High Time About time, past the appropriate time. It’s high time you started looking for a job.
Make up for lost time To do something quickly because you started late or lost time. We missed the first day of the conference, so we need to make up for lost time.
Have the time of your life To enjoy yourself very much. We had the time of our lives on vacation.
In next to no time Very quickly or soon. I finished the report in next to no time.
Around the clock All day and all night, continuously. The nurses worked around the clock to care for the patients.
Save the day To rescue a situation or prevent disaster. He saved the day by finding a solution to the problem.
Hardly any time Almost no time at all. I have hardly any time to relax these days.
At the drop of a hat Immediately, without hesitation. I’m ready to go to the movies at the drop of a hat.
In the long run Eventually, over a long period. Investing in education is beneficial in the long run.
Against Time Having to do something very fast. They were racing against time to finish the project before the deadline.
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The following are idioms that describe the speed at which time passes.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Time flies when you’re having fun Time seems to pass quickly when you are enjoying yourself. The party was so great; time flies when you’re having fun!
At a snail’s pace Very slowly. Traffic was moving at a snail’s pace this morning.
In a flash Very quickly. The storm passed by in a flash.
Before you know it Very soon, quickly. Before you know it, summer will be over.
In the blink of an eye Extremely quickly. The magician made the rabbit disappear in the blink of an eye.
Make good time To travel quickly. We made good time on the highway and arrived early.
Like there’s no tomorrow Acting as if something will not last. They were spending money like there’s no tomorrow.
Move at Warp Speed Moving extremely fast. We completed the task at warp speed.
A New York Minute A moment that seems shorter than it is. It happened in a New York minute.
Run out of time Not having enough time to do something. We ran out of time to fully complete the project.
The clock is ticking Time is running out. The clock is ticking, we need to make a decision quickly.
Slow as molasses Very slow. The server was slow as molasses.
Fly by Pass quickly. The weeks flew by as we prepared for the event.
Drag on To last longer than expected. The meeting seemed to drag on forever.
Get a move on To hurry up. We need to get a move on if we want to catch the train.
Step on it Hurry up; go faster. Step on it, we are already late!
Speed things up Make progress at a faster rate. How can we speed things up?
Make haste Hurry. Make haste, the train is leaving soon.
In double time Very quickly. The soldier marched in double time.
Burn the candle at both ends To work very hard and stay up late at night. He’s been burning the candle at both ends to finish the project.

This section includes idioms related to waiting and patience.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Bide one’s time To wait patiently for a good opportunity. He’s biding his time until the perfect moment to ask for a promotion.
Mark time To do something without making real progress. The project is just marking time until we get more funding.
Hold your horses Wait a moment. Hold your horses! Let’s think about this before we decide.
The waiting game A situation where one must wait patiently for something to happen. We’re playing the waiting game to see if our offer gets accepted.
Sit tight Wait patiently and take no action. Just sit tight; the doctor will see you soon.
Sweat it out To wait anxiously for something. We’re sweating it out waiting for the exam results.
Take one’s time Not to hurry. There is no rush, take your time.
Time on one’s hands Having nothing to do. Since retiring, he has a lot of time on his hands.
Keep someone hanging Delay making a decision or giving an answer. Don’t keep me hanging, tell me if I got the job or not!
Play for time To delay something in order to gain an advantage. The lawyer is playing for time to gather more evidence.
Wait and see Be patient and see what happens. We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds.
Hang fire To delay taking action. Let’s hang fire on that decision until we have more information.
Cool one’s heels To be kept waiting. I was left cooling my heels in the waiting room for an hour.
Hold the fort Take care of things while someone is away. Can you hold the fort while I go to the store?
In limbo In an uncertain state or period of waiting. Our project is in limbo until we get approval.
Patience is a virtue It is good to be patient. I know you want it now, but patience is a virtue.
Keep one’s powder dry To be prepared for action. We need to keep our powder dry in case of an emergency.
Time will tell The future will reveal the answer. Only time will tell if this plan will succeed.
On hold Temporarily stopped or delayed. The project is on hold due to lack of funding.
At a standstill A situation in which all activity or movement has stopped. Negotiations are currently at a standstill.

These idioms relate to meeting deadlines and managing time pressure.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Against the clock Rushing to meet a deadline. We were working against the clock to finish the project on time.
Pressed for time Having very little time available. I’m pressed for time, so let’s make this meeting short.
Up against it Facing difficulties due to lack of time or resources. We’re really up against it with this project deadline.
Cutting it close Barely making it in time. We’re cutting it close, but we should still be able to finish on time.
Down to the wire At the last possible moment. They finished the negotiations down to the wire.
Running late Not on schedule. I’m running late for my appointment.
Behind schedule Progressing slower than planned. The project is behind schedule due to unforeseen issues.
Ahead of schedule Progressing faster than planned. We are ahead of schedule with the project.
On schedule Progressing as planned. The construction is on schedule.
Beat the clock Finish something before the deadline. We managed to beat the clock and submit the report on time.
Make up for lost time To do something quickly because you started late or lost time. We need to make up for lost time on this project.
Running out of steam Losing energy or enthusiasm. We are running out of steam to complete this project.
Under pressure Feeling stressed due to time constraints. We are working under pressure to meet the deadline.
Burning the midnight oil Working late into the night. I’ve been burning the midnight oil to finish the report.
Crunch time A period of intense activity and pressure to meet a deadline. It’s crunch time, we need to focus on finishing the project.
In a time crunch Lacking sufficient time. We are in a time crunch to complete this task.
Last minute Occurring just before a deadline or event. We made some last minute changes to the presentation.
At the eleventh hour At the last possible moment. He submitted his application at the eleventh hour.
Pushing it Taking things to the limit. We are pushing it to meet the deadline.
Time-sensitive Requiring prompt action due to deadlines. This is a time-sensitive issue that needs immediate attention.
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The following idioms relate to the past and memories.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Back in the day In the past, in earlier times. Back in the day, things were much simpler.
A blast from the past Something that reminds you of the past. Seeing that old photo was a blast from the past.
Those were the days Referring to good times in the past. Those were the days when we were young and carefree.
In hindsight Looking back, with the benefit of knowing what happened. In hindsight, I should have taken that job offer.
Ancient history Something that happened a long time ago and is no longer relevant. That argument is ancient history; let’s move on.
Old hat Outdated or no longer interesting. That technology is old hat now.
Long time no see It’s been a long time since we last met. Long time no see! How have you been?
Once upon a time Used to begin a fairy tale or story set in the past. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess.
In the good old days Referring to a past time that is remembered fondly. In the good old days, life was less complicated.
A thing of the past Something that no longer exists or is relevant. Typewriters are a thing of the past.
Down memory lane Remembering happy times from the past. We took a trip down memory lane looking through old photo albums.
Bygone era A time in the past that is no longer existing. The Victorian era is a bygone era.
Flashback A sudden, vivid memory of an event in the past. The smell of the perfume triggered a flashback to her childhood.
Reminisce To indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events. We spent the evening reminiscing about our college days.
Vintage Representing the high quality of a past time. She loves to wear vintage clothing.
Looking back Thinking about the past. Looking back, I wish I had made different choices.
Yesterday’s news Something that is no longer current or interesting. That scandal is yesterday’s news.
In retrospect Thinking about a past event in a different way. In retrospect, I should have studied harder for the exam.
From way back From a long time ago. We’ve known each other from way back.
Those days are gone Referring to a past time that is no longer existing. Those days are gone, we need to move forward.

Usage Rules for Time Idioms

Using time idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and contexts. Here are some key rules to follow:

  1. Use idioms in the right context: Make sure the idiom fits the situation. For example, “time flies when you’re having fun” is appropriate for describing enjoyable experiences, but not for serious or somber occasions.
  2. Don’t change the words: Idioms are fixed expressions. Changing the words can alter the meaning or make the phrase nonsensical. For instance, saying “time runs” instead of “time flies” is incorrect.
  3. Consider your audience: While idioms can enrich your language, avoid using too many in formal settings or when communicating with non-native speakers who may not understand them.
  4. Pay attention to verb tense: Adjust the verb tense within the surrounding sentence to match the context, but don’t change the tense within the idiom itself. For example, “He was working against the clock” is correct, but “He is work against the clock” is wrong.
  5. Be aware of regional variations: Some idioms may be more common in certain regions than others. Be mindful of your audience and use idioms that are widely understood.

Understanding these usage rules will help you incorporate time idioms naturally and effectively into your communication.

Common Mistakes with Time Idioms

Learners often make mistakes when using idioms, especially when they try to interpret them literally. Here are some common errors to avoid:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
Time is flying Time flies “Time flies” is the correct idiom. “Time is flying” is a literal statement, not an idiom.
Kill the time Kill time The idiom is “kill time,” not “kill the time.” The article “the” is unnecessary.
On the dot time On the dot “On the dot” already implies time, so adding “time” is redundant.
Once at a blue moon Once in a blue moon The correct preposition is “in,” not “at.”
Against the watches Against the clock The idiom is “against the clock,” which refers to the general concept of time pressure.
Pressed by time Pressed for time The correct preposition is “for,” not “by.”
Back on the day Back in the day The correct preposition is “in,” not “on.”
Hold your horses now Hold your horses “Hold your horses” is the complete idiom; adding “now” is unnecessary.
Beat the times Beat the clock The correct idiom is “beat the clock” which means to finish something before the deadline.
Those are the day Those were the days The correct idiom is “Those were the days”, using the past tense and plural form.

By being aware of these common errors, you can avoid making them yourself and use time idioms accurately.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of time idioms with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list provided.

Idiom List: Time flies, Kill time, In the nick of time, Around the clock, Call it a day, Once in a blue moon, Against the clock, Pressed for time, Back in the day, A blast from the past

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Question Answer
1. We had to work ________ to finish the project before the deadline. Against the clock
2. ________ when you’re having fun, so the party seemed to end quickly. Time flies
3. I’m ________ today, so let’s keep this meeting brief. Pressed for time
4. The firefighters worked ________ to put out the fire. Around the clock
5. Let’s ________ and go home; it’s getting late. Call it a day
6. I see my cousins ________ because they live so far away. Once in a blue moon
7. The doctor arrived ________ to save the patient’s life. In the nick of time
8. We had to ________ at the airport while waiting for our delayed flight. Kill time
9. ________, we used to play outside all day. Back in the day
10. Seeing my old school friends was ________. A blast from the past

Exercise 2: Choose the correct idiom to complete each sentence.

Question Options Answer
1. We need to ________ if we want to catch the train. (a) get a move on (b) kill time (c) call it a day (a) get a move on
2. He’s ________ until the perfect opportunity arises. (a) marking time (b) biding his time (c) losing time (b) biding his time
3. The project is ________ because of funding issues. (a) on the dot (b) on hold (c) in time (b) on hold
4. I finished the report ________. (a) in the time (b) in no time (c) on time (b) in no time
5. Let’s ________ and see what happens. (a) wait and see (b) wait for time (c) see the wait (a) wait and see
6. We are ________ to finish the report by tomorrow. (a) up against it (b) up for it (c) up to it (a) up against it
7. ________, I wish I had studied harder. (a) In front sight (b) In hindsight (c) In the future (b) In hindsight
8. She is ________ to finish the project on time. (a) burning the oil (b) burning the candle at both ends (c) burning time (b) burning the candle at both ends
9. ________, things were much simpler. (a) Back in a day (b) Back in the day (c) Back to day (b) Back in the day
10. Please ________; the doctor will be with you shortly. (a) sit fast (b) sit tight (c) sit long (b) sit tight

Advanced Topics in Time Idioms

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of time idioms involves exploring their origins and cultural significance. Many time idioms have historical roots that provide insight into their meanings.

For example, “burning the midnight oil” comes from a time when people used oil lamps to work late into the night.

Additionally, some time idioms have subtle variations in meaning depending on the context. For instance, “killing time” can sometimes imply boredom or frustration, while at other times it simply means filling an otherwise empty period.

Recognizing these subtle differences requires a deep understanding of the English language and culture.

Finally, advanced learners should focus on using time idioms naturally and appropriately in their own speech and writing. This involves not only knowing the idioms but also being able to integrate them seamlessly into conversations and texts.

Practice using idioms in different contexts and solicit feedback from native speakers to refine your usage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is the difference between an idiom and a literal expression?

    An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is different from the literal meanings of the individual words. A literal expression means exactly what the words say.

  2. Why is it important to learn idioms about time?

    Idioms about time add color and expressiveness to your language, allowing you to communicate more effectively and understand native speakers better. They are common in everyday conversation and literature.

  3. How can I memorize time idioms more easily?

    Use flashcards, create example sentences, and practice using the idioms in conversation. Pay attention to the context in which you encounter new idioms.

  4. Are time idioms used in formal writing?

    While some idioms are appropriate for formal writing, many are more suitable for informal contexts. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when deciding whether to use an idiom.

  5. Can the words in a time idiom be changed?

    No, idioms are fixed expressions. Changing the words can alter the meaning or make the phrase nonsensical.

  6. What should I do if I don’t understand a time idiom?

    Ask for clarification from a native speaker or consult a dictionary of idioms. Pay attention to the context in which the idiom is used to infer its meaning.

  7. Are there regional variations in time idioms?

    Yes, some idioms may be more common in certain regions than others. Be mindful of your audience and use idioms that are widely understood.

  8. How can I practice using time idioms?

    Engage in conversations with native speakers, read English books and articles, and watch English movies and TV shows. Pay attention to how idioms are used in these contexts and try to incorporate them into your own language.

  9. Where can I find reliable resources for

    There are many online dictionaries and language learning websites that provide definitions and examples of idioms. Consult reputable sources to ensure you are learning accurate information.

  10. How do I know if I’m using a time idiom correctly?

    Check your usage with a native speaker or language teacher. Pay attention to the context in which you are using the idiom and ensure that it fits the situation and audience.

Conclusion

Mastering idioms about time passing is an essential step in achieving fluency and expressiveness in English. By understanding the definitions, structural components, and usage rules of these idioms, you can enhance your communication skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the English language.

Whether you’re preparing for an exam, improving your professional communication, or simply enjoying literature and conversation, the knowledge of these idioms will undoubtedly prove beneficial.

Continue to practice and incorporate these idioms into your everyday language. The more you use them, the more natural and confident you will become in your ability to communicate effectively.

Remember to pay attention to context, avoid common mistakes, and explore the cultural significance of these expressions. With dedication and practice, you can master the art of using idioms about time and elevate your English language skills to new heights.