35 Idioms for Time

Time is one of those things we all seem to never have enough of, yet we’re constantly trying to manage, stretch, and make the most of it. It’s no wonder that language has evolved to include many fun and quirky idioms to express how time affects our lives.

From rushing against the clock to enjoying the moment, these expressions capture how we view time and its impact on our daily experiences. Here’s a list of 35 idioms about time that will help you sound like a native speaker and maybe even give you a fresh perspective on time management!

Table of Contents

1. Time flies

Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly, especially when you’re busy or having fun.
In a Sentence: I can’t believe it’s already December—time flies when you’re enjoying life.
Other Ways to Say:
Time passes in the blink of an eye.
The days slip away.

2. In the nick of time

Meaning: Just in time; at the last possible moment.
In a Sentence: I made it to the station in the nick of time and caught the train.
Other Ways to Say:
Just under the wire.
At the last minute.

3. A stitch in time saves nine

Meaning: It’s better to fix a problem right away rather than wait and let it get worse.
In a Sentence: You should clean that spill now—a stitch in time saves nine!
Other Ways to Say:
Nip it in the bud.
Take care of it early.

4. Killing time

Meaning: Doing something to pass the time when you’re waiting for something else to happen.
In a Sentence: I was killing time at the café while waiting for my friend.
Other Ways to Say:
Passing the time.
Biding time.

5. Time is money

Meaning: Time is valuable, and wasting it is like losing money.
In a Sentence: We need to hurry up—remember, time is money!
Other Ways to Say:
Every minute counts.
Time costs money.

6. Beat the clock

Meaning: To finish something before the time limit expires.
In a Sentence: I managed to beat the clock and submitted my report right before the deadline.
Other Ways to Say:
Race against the clock.
Finish just in time.

7. Out of time

Meaning: To have no more time available.
In a Sentence: I was out of time to finish the project and had to submit it incomplete.
Other Ways to Say:
Running out of time.
Time’s up.

8. Time well spent

Meaning: Time that is used productively or enjoyable.
In a Sentence: It was a wonderful vacation; definitely time well spent.
Other Ways to Say:
Worth the time.
A valuable use of time.

9. Time will tell

Meaning: The future will reveal the truth or outcome of a situation.
In a Sentence: Will they succeed? Time will tell.
Other Ways to Say:
Only time will reveal.
We’ll find out with time.

10. All in good time

Meaning: Everything will happen when the time is right, no need to rush.
In a Sentence: Don’t worry about the promotion; all in good time.
Other Ways to Say:
Patience is key.
Wait for the right moment.

11. Take your time

Meaning: Do something slowly, without rushing.
In a Sentence: There’s no hurry—take your time to make the decision.
Other Ways to Say:
Don’t rush.
Go at your own pace.

12. A matter of time

Meaning: Something is bound to happen eventually.
In a Sentence: It’s just a matter of time before we reach our goal.
Other Ways to Say:
Only a matter of time.
Inevitable.

13. Behind the times

Meaning: Outdated, not keeping up with the current trends or technology.
In a Sentence: His phone is so old—he’s really behind the times.
Other Ways to Say:
Out of date.
Living in the past.

14. Time’s a-ticking

Meaning: Time is passing quickly, and you’re running out of it.
In a Sentence: You’d better hurry, time’s a-ticking!
Other Ways to Say:
The clock’s ticking.
Time is slipping away.

15. Time on your hands

Meaning: Having free time or nothing to do.
In a Sentence: Now that I’m done with my project, I’ve got plenty of time on my hands.
Other Ways to Say:
Killing time.
Having spare time.

16. Run out of time

Meaning: To have no more time available for something.
In a Sentence: I ran out of time to prepare for the exam!
Other Ways to Say:
Out of time.
Time’s up.

17. Time after time

Meaning: Repeatedly, over and over again.
In a Sentence: Time after time, he proves that he’s the best in the team.
Other Ways to Say:
Over and over.
Again and again.

18. In the fullness of time

Meaning: Eventually, after enough time has passed.
In a Sentence: In the fullness of time, everything will fall into place.
Other Ways to Say:
In due course.
Over time.

19. Time is of the essence

Meaning: Time is very important, and delays must be avoided.
In a Sentence: We need to get this done by 5 PM—time is of the essence.
Other Ways to Say:
We’re on a tight schedule.
Time is critical.

20. On borrowed time

Meaning: Living with a sense that time is running out or limited.
In a Sentence: After the injury, he felt like he was on borrowed time in his career.
Other Ways to Say:
Running out of time.
With limited time left.

21. Time waits for no one

Meaning: Time keeps moving forward, no matter what happens or who is left behind.
In a Sentence: We need to act fast—time waits for no one!
Other Ways to Say:
- Time never stops.
- Time doesn’t stand still.

22. Time to spare

Meaning: Having extra time left after completing a task.
In a Sentence: I finished the report early and had time to spare before the meeting.
Other Ways to Say:
- Extra time.
- A bit of time left.

23. In the blink of an eye

Meaning: Very quickly; in an instant.
In a Sentence: The whole event was over in the blink of an eye.
Other Ways to Say:
- In a heartbeat.
- In a flash.

24. Make time for

Meaning: To find time to do something despite a busy schedule.
In a Sentence: I’ll make time for a quick coffee break.
Other Ways to Say:
- Set aside time.
- Squeeze in time.

25. The time is ripe

Meaning: The moment is ideal for something to happen or be done.
In a Sentence: The time is ripe for us to launch the new product.
Other Ways to Say:
- The moment has come.
- Now’s the perfect time.

26. Kill time

Meaning: To do something while waiting for something else to happen.
In a Sentence: While waiting for the movie to start, I decided to kill time by browsing through my phone.
Other Ways to Say:
- Pass the time.
- Waste time.

27. Time to hit the road

Meaning: It’s time to leave or begin a journey.
In a Sentence: We’ve been here long enough—time to hit the road!
Other Ways to Say:
- Let’s head out.
- Time to go.

28. Mark time

Meaning: To wait for something to happen, often in a stagnant or unproductive way.
In a Sentence: I feel like I’m just marking time at this job, waiting for something better to come along.
Other Ways to Say:
- Stagnate.
- Wait idly.

29. Against the clock

Meaning: Working hard to finish something before a deadline.
In a Sentence: I was working against the clock to finish my project before the meeting.
Other Ways to Say:
- Under pressure.
- In a race against time.

30. Time for a change

Meaning: It’s time to try something new or different.
In a Sentence: I’ve been at this job for years; I think it’s time for a change.
Other Ways to Say:
- Time to mix things up.
- Time for something new.

31. Run out of steam

Meaning: To lose energy or motivation to continue.
In a Sentence: I was working hard all morning but eventually ran out of steam.
Other Ways to Say:
- Lose momentum.
- Run dry.

32. Kill the clock

Meaning: To waste time on purpose.
In a Sentence: I always kill the clock during meetings by checking emails.
Other Ways to Say:
- Drag things out.
- Stall.

33. Time’s running out

Meaning: There’s not much time left to do something.
In a Sentence: Time’s running out to register for the event, so sign up now!
Other Ways to Say:
- The deadline is near.
- Time is short.

34. Time to get going

Meaning: The moment to start moving or doing something.
In a Sentence: The concert is about to begin—time to get going!
Other Ways to Say:
- Time to start.
- Let’s get moving.

35. Out of time

Meaning: No more time available; the moment is over.
In a Sentence: I was enjoying the party so much, I didn’t realize I was out of time to catch the last bus.
Other Ways to Say:
- Time’s up.
- Ran out of time.

MCQs Quiz: Idioms for Time

1. What does the idiom “Time waits for no one” mean?

a) Time slows down for people who need more time.
b) Time continues moving forward, regardless of what happens.
c) Time can be stopped by anyone.
Answer: b) Time continues moving forward, regardless of what happens.

2. What is the meaning of “Time to spare”?

a) Having enough time to do everything.
b) Having extra time left after completing a task.
c) Running out of time.
Answer: b) Having extra time left after completing a task.

3. What does “In the blink of an eye” mean?

a) Something happening very slowly.
b) Something happening very quickly, in an instant.
c) A short amount of time.
Answer: b) Something happening very quickly, in an instant.

4. What does “Make time for” mean?

a) Avoiding something because you’re busy.
b) Finding time to do something despite a busy schedule.
c) Wasting time on purpose.
Answer: b) Finding time to do something despite a busy schedule.

5. When is the “Time ripe”?

a) When time moves quickly.
b) When the moment is ideal for something to happen.
c) When time is running out.
Answer: b) When the moment is ideal for something to happen.

6. What does “Kill time” mean?

a) To work efficiently.
b) To do something while waiting for something else to happen.
c) To waste time intentionally.
Answer: b) To do something while waiting for something else to happen.

7. What does “Time to hit the road” mean?

a) It’s time to relax.
b) It’s time to leave or begin a journey.
c) It’s time to sleep.
Answer: b) It’s time to leave or begin a journey.

8. What is meant by “Mark time”?

a) Moving forward at a fast pace.
b) Waiting for something to happen, often in an unproductive way.
c) Working under pressure.
Answer: b) Waiting for something to happen, often in an unproductive way.

9. What does “Against the clock” mean?

a) Taking your time to finish something.
b) Working hard to finish something before a deadline.
c) Working at your own pace.
Answer: b) Working hard to finish something before a deadline.

10. What is the meaning of “Time for a change”?

a) Staying in the same routine.
b) It’s time to try something new or different.
c) Time to take a break.
Answer: b) It’s time to try something new or different.

11. What does “Run out of steam” mean?

a) To start something new.
b) To lose energy or motivation to continue.
c) To work with full energy.
Answer: b) To lose energy or motivation to continue.

12. What does “Kill the clock” mean?

a) To waste time on purpose.
b) To finish something early.
c) To plan time wisely.
Answer: a) To waste time on purpose.

13. What does “Time’s running out” mean?

a) There’s not much time left to do something.
b) Time is moving at a normal pace.
c) You have plenty of time to finish everything.
Answer: a) There’s not much time left to do something.

14. What does “Time to get going” mean?

a) Time to start moving or doing something.
b) Time to relax and take a break.
c) Time to wait for the right moment.
Answer: a) Time to start moving or doing something.

15. What does “Out of time” mean?

a) Having all the time you need.
b) No more time available; the moment is over.
c) Time moving too slowly.
Answer: b) No more time available; the moment is over.

Final Words

Idioms for time offer rich expressions. They help convey complex ideas in simple ways. Time is always moving, and these idioms reflect that. Using them enhances your communication, making it more engaging.

Remember, these idioms can add flair to conversations. Idioms for time highlight how we relate to time. They show the urgency, delays, and moments in life. So, use them to sound more natural and expressive.

James tony