Time is a precious thing, and finding the right words to express our experiences with it can deepen our connections and enrich our conversations. We all navigate the hustle and bustle of life, yet we often find that time seems to either move too quickly or drag on forever.
Whether you’re reminiscing about memories or looking forward to the future, idioms can help communicate the feelings and moments tied to time in meaningful, heartfelt ways. In this article, we will explore 30 idioms for time that can add warmth and nuance to your daily conversations, helping you to express your thoughts and feelings more thoughtfully.
1. Ahead of the clock
Meaning: Doing something before it’s expected.
In a sentence: I managed to finish my project ahead of the clock, so I could relax before the weekend.
Best use: Use this idiom when you are describing being proactive or efficient with time.
Not use: Don’t use it when referring to procrastination or delays.
Other ways to say: Early, on time, in advance.
2. At the eleventh hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment.
In a sentence: She completed the assignment at the eleventh hour, just before the deadline.
Best use: Perfect when referring to a task that is completed under time pressure.
Not use: Avoid it when talking about punctuality or timeliness in general.
Other ways to say: At the last minute, just in time, when the clock is ticking.
3. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time, with no time to spare.
In a sentence: We made it to the airport in the nick of time, catching the last flight.
Best use: Use this when referring to narrowly escaping a time constraint or deadline.
Not use: Avoid using this when you have plenty of time left.
Other ways to say: Just in time, at the last second, at the wire.
4. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
In a sentence: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report before the meeting.
Best use: Ideal for describing hard work that extends into the late hours.
Not use: Not suitable for casual or light-hearted tasks.
Other ways to say: Work late, stay up late, hustle through the night.
5. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly, especially when you’re having fun.
In a sentence: Our vacation was so enjoyable that time flies when we’re having fun.
Best use: Use this when you feel like time is passing quickly, especially during enjoyable moments.
Not use: Avoid when time seems to be dragging or when you’re not enjoying yourself.
Other ways to say: The hours slip away, time slips by, it feels like moments.
6. Take your time
Meaning: To do something slowly without rushing.
In a sentence: Don’t worry about finishing early—just take your time and do it right.
Best use: Use when encouraging someone to move at their own pace.
Not use: Avoid using it when there is a need to speed up or meet a deadline.
Other ways to say: No rush, go at your own pace, take it easy.
7. Killing time
Meaning: Doing something to pass time when you’re waiting for something else.
In a sentence: I was killing time at the café while waiting for my friend to arrive.
Best use: Ideal for casual, lighthearted situations when you’re waiting.
Not use: Don’t use when you’re doing something productive or important.
Other ways to say: Passing time, filling time, waiting around.
8. Time is of the essence
Meaning: Time is very important, and you need to act quickly.
In a sentence: Since we have a limited window to complete the task, time is of the essence.
Best use: Best for urgent or time-sensitive situations.
Not use: Avoid when time isn’t critical.
Other ways to say: Urgent, crucial, immediate.
9. In no time
Meaning: Very quickly, almost immediately.
In a sentence: She completed the task in no time, finishing ahead of schedule.
Best use: Use when something is done very quickly and efficiently.
Not use: Don’t use when there is a delay or when something is taking longer than expected.
Other ways to say: Instantly, right away, in a flash.
10. A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Taking action early prevents bigger problems later.
In a sentence: I fixed the small issue with the project, because a stitch in time saves nine.
Best use: When encouraging prompt action to avoid future problems.
Not use: Avoid when there is no urgency involved.
Other ways to say: Act now, take care of it early, nip it in the bud.
11. The clock is ticking
Meaning: There’s limited time to do something.
In a sentence: Hurry up! The clock is ticking, and we need to finish this project.
Best use: Use when you’re running out of time or facing a deadline.
Not use: Don’t use when there is no time pressure.
Other ways to say: Time’s running out, we’re on a time crunch, hurry up.
12. Beat the clock
Meaning: To finish something before time runs out.
In a sentence: We managed to beat the clock and submit the project before the deadline.
Best use: When you’re successful in completing something just in time.
Not use: Don’t use it when you miss a deadline or time constraint.
Other ways to say: Finish in time, make it on time, under the wire.
13. Around the clock
Meaning: Continuously, without stopping.
In a sentence: The team worked around the clock to get the project finished on time.
Best use: Perfect for describing non-stop work or activity.
Not use: Avoid when referring to something that doesn’t happen continuously.
Other ways to say: Nonstop, 24/7, continuously.
14. Out of time
Meaning: You no longer have time to complete something.
In a sentence: We’re out of time, and the event is about to start.
Best use: When you’ve run out of time to do something.
Not use: Don’t use when there’s still time available.
Other ways to say: Time’s up, no more time, past the deadline.
15. Make time
Meaning: To find time in your schedule for something.
In a sentence: I’ll make time for the meeting tomorrow, despite my busy schedule.
Best use: When you intentionally set aside time for something important.
Not use: Avoid it when you can’t realistically manage your time.
Other ways to say: Set aside time, find time, carve out time.
16. On borrowed time
Meaning: Living with a sense of uncertainty or when time is limited.
In a sentence: The car has been on borrowed time for a while, and I’m afraid it may break down soon.
Best use: Use when referring to something temporary or not expected to last long.
Not use: Don’t use for situations that have no urgency or impending end.
Other ways to say: On the edge, on the verge, temporary.
17. In the fullness of time
Meaning: When enough time has passed for something to happen.
In a sentence: In the fullness of time, everything will become clear, and we’ll understand why this happened.
Best use: Use when referring to something that will happen in the future.
Not use: Don’t use for situations requiring immediate action.
Other ways to say: Eventually, with time, over time.
18. The sands of time
Meaning: The passage of time, often referring to the inevitability of it.
In a sentence: As the sands of time slip away, we realize how quickly our lives change.
Best use: Use to reflect on the fleeting nature of time.
Not use: Avoid it when discussing specific, immediate timeframes.
Other ways to say: The passage of time, the clock of life, time’s flow.
19. Time will tell
Meaning: The outcome of something will become clear as time passes.
In a sentence: Time will tell if our decision was the right one.
Best use: When referring to uncertainty or when waiting for the future to reveal the outcome.
Not use: Don’t use when you have immediate answers or certainty.
Other ways to say: Only time knows, the future will reveal, we’ll see.
20. Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable and should be used efficiently.
In a sentence: We need to act quickly; time is money.
Best use: When emphasizing the value of time in a business or productive context.
Not use: Avoid using it in casual or non-serious situations.
Other ways to say: Time is precious, time is valuable, make every second count.
21. A waste of time
Meaning: An activity that is unproductive and not worth the time spent.
In a sentence: Watching endless TV shows is just a waste of time.
Best use: Use when describing an activity that doesn’t serve any purpose or goal.
Not use: Don’t use it for activities that might have personal or entertainment value.
Other ways to say: Pointless, unproductive, futile.
22. To kill time
Meaning: To engage in something for entertainment or to pass time while waiting.
In a sentence: I spent the afternoon reading a book just to kill time.
Best use: When referring to light, entertaining activities while waiting.
Not use: Don’t use for tasks that require focus or attention.
Other ways to say: Fill time, pass the hours, wait it out.
23. The clock strikes
Meaning: When a specific moment or deadline arrives.
In a sentence: The clock strikes midnight, and the New Year celebrations begin.
Best use: Use it to highlight a turning point or moment of importance.
Not use: Don’t use it for casual or unimportant events.
Other ways to say: The moment arrives, when the bell tolls, the time comes.
24. Out of time
Meaning: Running out of time, often too late to do something.
In a sentence: I wanted to join the meeting, but I was out of time.
Best use: When you have run out of time for something.
Not use: Don’t use when you still have plenty of time.
Other ways to say: Time’s up, no more time, deadline passed.
25. Beat the clock
Meaning: Finish something before the deadline.
In a sentence: We managed to beat the clock and hand in our assignment early.
Best use: When you manage to finish something right before a deadline.
Not use: Avoid using it when there was no deadline or you didn’t rush.
Other ways to say: Finish early, make it on time, submit on time.
26. On time
Meaning: Punctual, completing something at the scheduled time.
In a sentence: We arrived on time for the conference and were ready for the presentation.
Best use: When referring to something done punctually.
Not use: Avoid using it for activities where punctuality is not crucial.
Other ways to say: Punctual, right on schedule, timely.
27. The clock is ticking
Meaning: A sense of urgency, the time available is running out.
In a sentence: The clock is ticking, and we have to make a decision soon.
Best use: When stressing a time-sensitive situation.
Not use: Don’t use when there’s no urgency.
Other ways to say: Time’s running out, it’s crunch time, hurry up.
28. In time
Meaning: Within an appropriate timeframe.
In a sentence: We finished the project in time for the deadline.
Best use: When you complete something by the required time.
Not use: Avoid using it for tasks that miss a deadline.
Other ways to say: On time, before the deadline, within the timeframe.
29. A matter of time
Meaning: Something that will inevitably happen eventually.
In a sentence: It’s only a matter of time before the new policy goes into effect.
Best use: When you know that something will happen, even if it hasn’t yet.
Not use: Don’t use it for things that aren’t certain to happen.
Other ways to say: Eventually, sooner or later, in the future.
30. Time to spare
Meaning: Having extra time available after completing something.
In a sentence: We finished early and had time to spare before the next meeting.
Best use: Use when you finish something ahead of schedule.
Not use: Don’t use when you’re rushing or out of time.
Other ways to say: Extra time, time left over, ahead of schedule.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between “ahead of the clock” and “beat the clock”?
“Ahead of the clock” refers to completing something early or ahead of a deadline, while “beat the clock” emphasizes finishing something just before time runs out.
2. When should I use “time is of the essence”?
Use it in situations where urgency is crucial, like business deadlines or emergency situations.
3. What does “a waste of time” mean?
It refers to an activity that doesn’t yield any productive outcome or value, often used to describe unhelpful tasks.
4. Can I use “in the nick of time” in a casual conversation?
Yes! It’s perfect for sharing moments when you barely made it, like arriving just before a concert starts.
5. How do I use “burn the midnight oil” effectively?
Use it to describe staying up late working on something important, usually a task requiring focus or effort.
Conclusion
Exploring idioms for time allows us to communicate more deeply and vividly about how we experience time. Whether you’re talking about rushing against the clock, savoring precious moments, or working late into the night, these idioms can help you express yourself in a warm and thoughtful way.
Remember, time is a concept we all share, and using these idioms can foster understanding and empathy in our interactions. With a touch of practice, you’ll master these expressions and make your communication more colorful and impactful!
