12 Time-Related English Idioms You Should Know

Today, I’m excited to share with you 12 English idioms related to time! In our fast-paced modern world, time is our most precious resource. For those learning English as a second language, mastering these idioms can greatly enhance your conversations with native speakers. We’ve compiled a list of commonly used time-related idioms, complete with example sentences to illustrate their usage. Let’s dive in!

“Time does not like to be wasted.” – Henry Ford

12 Interesting Time Idioms in the English Language

Let’s get started!

1. Better late than never

This is one of the most widely used idioms in English.

Example: The report is long overdue but better late than never.

Two related idioms are “just in the nick of time,” which refers to something happening right before it’s too late, and “beat the clock,” which means to complete a task just ahead of a deadline.

2. On the spur of the moment

This means to do something spontaneously, perhaps acting on a sudden feeling or inspiration

Example: Linda and Louis drove to the beach on the spur of the moment.

3. Once in a blue moon

Used to describe something that happens very rarely, almost never

Example: Homebodies Mary and James only go out once in a blue moon.

4. Living on borrowed time

The phrase suggests that a person has managed to persevere despite the odds stacked against them, though it implies that their time of survival may be running out.

Example: After Jim had a serious heart attack, he felt like he was living on borrowed time.

5. In the interim

A useful expression for a time interval, which means “meanwhile” or “in between.”

Example: The boss will be back next week. In the interim, the workers will be stocking shelves and cleaning.

6. In broad daylight

You’ve likely encountered this phrase in films or literature. It refers to events that unfold during daylight hours, in public spaces, and are surprising or unexpected due to their setting.

Example: Two coyotes brazenly walked across the lawn in broad daylight.

7. Against the clock

To do something as quickly as possible and try to finish it before a deadline.

Example: In movies, writers love to create countdowns where the main characters are working against the clock.

The idiom “time flies” captures the sensation of time slipping away when you’re under pressure to complete a task. Similarly, “crunch time” describes that intense period right before a deadline when every moment counts.

8. All in good time

This phrase conveys the idea that something is bound to occur eventually, after a sufficient passage of time.

Rachel feared she might end up an old maid, but her mother comforted her with the belief that the right person would come along, and she would marry when the time was right.

9. Big time

This idiom refers to reaching the pinnacle of one’s career, particularly in the entertainment industry. Additionally, it can signify something that occurs on a grand scale or to a significant degree.

Example: When he landed the position as vice president, he knew he had reached the big time.

10. The time is ripe

This means that the right time has come to do something.

Example: Raphael had always wanted to take a trip overseas, and the time was finally ripe.

11. Have the time of your life

To have a delightful experience

Genevieve had the time of her life touring Italy.

12. Time is money

This famous phrase is attributed to Benjamin Franklin and is often used in connection with business and employment.

Example: It’s wise to use every minute productively because time is money.

That’s a wrap! I hope you find these expressions helpful in your conversations. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to drop them in the comments below. I’m here to help!