Idioms About Time

TL;DR: Time-related idioms reflect the importance of time in human life and language. Understanding these expressions helps you discuss time management and d…

Time-related idioms reflect the importance of time in human life and language. Understanding these expressions helps you discuss time management and deadli

Idioms About Time

• The eleventh hour — The last possible moment before something happens (e.g. He submitted his assignment at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline.)
• Beat the clock — To finish something before time runs out (e.g. We beat the clock and completed the project before the deadline.)
• Against all odds — Despite very difficult circumstances (e.g. Against all odds, she succeeded in becoming a doctor.)
• In the long run — Considering the future; eventually (e.g. Regular exercise is beneficial in the long run for your health.)
• In the nick of time — At the last possible moment (e.g. The ambulance arrived in the nick of time to save his life.)
• Kill time — To spend time doing something unimportant (e.g. I was early, so I killed time by reading magazines.)
• Time is of the essence — Time is very important; hurry (e.g. For this medical emergency, time is of the essence.)
• Before long — Soon; in the near future (e.g. The exam results will be announced before long.)
• Time flies — Time passes quickly (e.g. Time flies when you are having fun; the vacation is already over.)
• Around the clock — All day and all night continuously (e.g. Hospital staff work around the clock to care for patients.)
• Behind schedule — Late; slower than planned (e.g. The construction project is behind schedule due to bad weather.)
• Break new ground — To do something for the first time or innovatively (e.g. This research breaks new ground in medical science.)
• In a jiffy — Very quickly; in a moment (e.g. I will finish this work in a jiffy and meet you soon.)
• Once in a lifetime — An extremely rare opportunity (e.g. Getting into this top university is a once in a lifetime opportunity.)
• The moment of truth — The critical moment when something important happens (e.g. The moment of truth arrived when results were announced.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many English idioms related to time?

Time is a fundamental aspect of human experience. As people navigate work, deadlines, and life events, they naturally create expressions and idioms that reflect the importance and passage of time.

How can idioms about time help with time management?

These idioms help you understand how English speakers conceptualize and discuss time. They also provide useful phrases for talking about schedules, deadlines, and planning in professional and academic settings.

More Vocabulary Sets

• Idioms and Phrases A-Z Set 1
• Idioms and Phrases A-Z Set 2
• Idioms and Phrases A-Z Set 3
• Idioms About Animals
• Idioms About Money
• Idioms About Body Parts

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