Time is one of those universal experiences we all share, yet we talk about it in endlessly creative ways. Whether we’re racing against deadlines, savoring precious moments, or watching opportunities slip away, we’ve developed a rich vocabulary of idioms to express our relationship with time. These colorful expressions make our conversations more vivid and help us connect with others who understand the constant push and pull of the clock.
In this article, you’ll discover 55 time-related idioms that native English speakers use every day. From the frantic pace of “running out of time” to the leisurely comfort of “taking your time,” these phrases capture every nuance of our temporal existence. Let’s dive into these expressions that will make your English sound more natural and help you articulate exactly how you feel about time’s relentless march forward.
1. Against the Clock
Meaning: Working urgently to complete something before a deadline.
In a Sentence: The design team was working against the clock to finish the presentation before the client meeting at 9 AM.
Other Ways to Say: Racing against time, under time pressure, in a time crunch
2. A Race Against Time
Meaning: A situation where something must be done very quickly before it’s too late.
In a Sentence: Getting the injured hiker to the hospital became a race against time as the weather worsened.
Other Ways to Say: Against the clock, running out of time, down to the wire
3. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: At the last possible moment before it’s too late.
In a Sentence: She caught the train in the nick of time, jumping aboard just as the doors were closing.
Other Ways to Say: Just in time, at the eleventh hour, by the skin of one’s teeth
4. Time Flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly, especially during enjoyable activities.
In a Sentence: I can’t believe my daughter is graduating already—time flies when you’re watching your kids grow up.
Other Ways to Say: Time passes quickly, where did the time go, before you know it
5. Time Drags
Meaning: Time seems to pass very slowly, usually during boring or unpleasant situations.
In a Sentence: The last hour of the meeting absolutely dragged as the manager went through budget details.
Other Ways to Say: Time crawls, time moves at a snail’s pace, time stands still
6. Kill Time
Meaning: To do something to occupy yourself while waiting for something else.
In a Sentence: I had two hours before my flight, so I killed time browsing the airport bookstore.
Other Ways to Say: Pass the time, while away the hours, fill time
7. Time on Your Hands
Meaning: Having free time available with nothing specific to do.
In a Sentence: Now that I’m retired, I have time on my hands to finally learn woodworking.
Other Ways to Say: Free time, spare time, time to spare
8. Make Up for Lost Time
Meaning: To do something more intensely or quickly to compensate for time previously wasted.
In a Sentence: After recovering from his injury, the athlete trained twice as hard to make up for lost time.
Other Ways to Say: Catch up, compensate for delays, recover lost ground
9. Time Is Money
Meaning: Time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted because it could be used productively.
In a Sentence: The consultant reminded us that time is money, so we should focus only on high-priority tasks.
Other Ways to Say: Time is precious, don’t waste time, time is valuable
10. Once in a Lifetime
Meaning: An extremely rare opportunity that may never happen again.
In a Sentence: Seeing the northern lights in Iceland was a once in a lifetime experience.
Other Ways to Say: Rare opportunity, one-time chance, unique experience
11. Time and Time Again
Meaning: Repeatedly; happening many times over a period.
In a Sentence: I’ve told you time and time again to save your work before closing the computer.
Other Ways to Say: Repeatedly, over and over, again and again
12. At the Eleventh Hour
Meaning: At the very last moment, just before a deadline.
In a Sentence: The contract was signed at the eleventh hour, preventing the deal from falling through.
Other Ways to Say: At the last minute, in the nick of time, just in time
13. Turn Back the Clock
Meaning: To return to an earlier time or make things as they were in the past.
In a Sentence: If I could turn back the clock, I would have studied harder in college.
Other Ways to Say: Go back in time, reverse time, relive the past
14. Behind the Times
Meaning: Old-fashioned or not keeping up with current trends and developments.
In a Sentence: My grandfather is a bit behind the times when it comes to using smartphones.
Other Ways to Say: Out of date, old-fashioned, not with it
15. Ahead of Your Time
Meaning: Having ideas or doing things that are too advanced or innovative for the current period.
In a Sentence: The inventor’s designs were ahead of their time and weren’t appreciated until decades later.
Other Ways to Say: Visionary, forward-thinking, ahead of the curve
16. Only Time Will Tell
Meaning: The outcome or truth of something will only become clear in the future.
In a Sentence: We implemented the new strategy, but only time will tell if it improves our sales.
Other Ways to Say: Wait and see, the future will reveal, we’ll know eventually
17. A Matter of Time
Meaning: Something that will inevitably happen eventually.
In a Sentence: With her talent and dedication, it’s only a matter of time before she gets promoted.
Other Ways to Say: Bound to happen, inevitable, just a question of when
18. Time Heals All Wounds
Meaning: Emotional pain and difficult situations become easier to bear as time passes.
In a Sentence: She was devastated after the breakup, but time heals all wounds, and she’s much happier now.
Other Ways to Say: Time is a great healer, things get better with time, wounds fade
19. The Big Time
Meaning: A high level of success or fame in a particular field.
In a Sentence: After years of playing small venues, the band finally hit the big time with a number one album.
Other Ways to Say: Major success, the top, making it big
20. For the Time Being
Meaning: Temporarily; for now but not permanently.
In a Sentence: I’m staying with my parents for the time being until I find my own apartment.
Other Ways to Say: For now, temporarily, in the meantime
21. High Time
Meaning: Past the appropriate time for something; long overdue.
In a Sentence: It’s high time we renovated this kitchen—the appliances are twenty years old.
Other Ways to Say: Long overdue, about time, past due
22. Time of Your Life
Meaning: An extremely enjoyable and memorable experience.
In a Sentence: We had the time of our lives at the music festival last weekend.
Other Ways to Say: Wonderful time, amazing experience, blast
23. In No Time
Meaning: Very quickly; almost immediately.
In a Sentence: Don’t worry, with all of us helping, we’ll have this room cleaned up in no time.
Other Ways to Say: Very quickly, in a flash, before you know it
24. Time Stands Still
Meaning: A moment feels frozen or eternal, often due to intense emotion or focus.
In a Sentence: When she said yes to his proposal, time stood still for a beautiful moment.
Other Ways to Say: Time freezes, a frozen moment, time seems to stop
25. Beat the Clock
Meaning: To finish something before time runs out or before a deadline.
In a Sentence: The contestants had to beat the clock to answer all the questions and win the prize.
Other Ways to Say: Finish in time, make the deadline, get it done quickly
26. Around the Clock
Meaning: Continuously for 24 hours without stopping.
In a Sentence: The hospital staff worked around the clock to care for patients during the emergency.
Other Ways to Say: 24/7, day and night, non-stop
27. Buy Time
Meaning: To delay something to gain more time for preparation or other purposes.
In a Sentence: He made small talk to buy time while waiting for his colleague to arrive with the documents.
Other Ways to Say: Stall, delay, create a delay
28. Call It a Day
Meaning: To decide to stop working on something, typically at the end of a work period.
In a Sentence: We’ve been working for ten hours straight—let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.
Other Ways to Say: Finish up, wrap it up, stop for the day
29. Crunch Time
Meaning: A critical period when intense effort is needed to meet a deadline.
In a Sentence: It’s crunch time for the team as they prepare for next week’s product launch.
Other Ways to Say: Critical moment, decisive time, under pressure
30. Down to the Wire
Meaning: Until the very last moment before a deadline or conclusion.
In a Sentence: The election results went down to the wire, with votes being counted until midnight.
Other Ways to Say: Until the last minute, to the very end, at the eleventh hour
31. Give Someone a Hard Time
Meaning: To criticize, tease, or create difficulties for someone.
In a Sentence: My coworkers always give me a hard time about bringing healthy lunches instead of ordering pizza.
Other Ways to Say: Tease, hassle, make trouble for
32. Have a Whale of a Time
Meaning: To enjoy oneself very much; to have a wonderful time.
In a Sentence: The kids had a whale of a time at the amusement park, riding every roller coaster twice.
Other Ways to Say: Have a great time, enjoy immensely, have a blast
33. Living on Borrowed Time
Meaning: Continuing to survive beyond an expected time, especially when facing danger or illness.
In a Sentence: After his serious diagnosis, he felt like he was living on borrowed time and made the most of each day.
Other Ways to Say: On limited time, time running out, beating the odds
34. Long Time No See
Meaning: An informal greeting used when you haven’t seen someone in a while.
In a Sentence: Long time no see! How have you been since we graduated?
Other Ways to Say: It’s been ages, been a while, haven’t seen you in forever
35. Make Time
Meaning: To prioritize and create availability in your schedule for something or someone.
In a Sentence: Even with her busy schedule, she always makes time to call her grandmother every week.
Other Ways to Say: Find time, create time, set aside time
36. The Time Is Ripe
Meaning: The conditions are perfect for something to happen or be done.
In a Sentence: With interest rates low and the market stable, the time is ripe to invest in property.
Other Ways to Say: Perfect timing, ideal moment, the right time
37. Time Out
Meaning: A break or pause from an activity, often used as a discipline method for children.
In a Sentence: The referee called a time out so the injured player could leave the field.
Other Ways to Say: Break, pause, intermission
38. Time-Honored
Meaning: Respected or valued because of long tradition or history.
In a Sentence: They followed the time-honored tradition of exchanging handmade gifts at Christmas.
Other Ways to Say: Traditional, established, long-standing
39. Pressed for Time
Meaning: Having very little time available to complete something.
In a Sentence: I’m really pressed for time today, so can we make this meeting quick?
Other Ways to Say: Short on time, time-constrained, in a hurry
40. Running Out of Time
Meaning: Having less and less time available before a deadline or critical moment.
In a Sentence: We’re running out of time to register for the conference at the early bird rate.
Other Ways to Say: Time is running short, time is ticking, almost out of time
41. Save Time
Meaning: To reduce the amount of time needed to complete a task.
In a Sentence: Using keyboard shortcuts can save time when you’re working on spreadsheets.
Other Ways to Say: Be more efficient, cut down time, work faster
42. Take Your Time
Meaning: To proceed slowly and carefully without rushing.
In a Sentence: Don’t rush your decision about which college to attend—take your time and visit all the campuses.
Other Ways to Say: Go slow, don’t hurry, no rush
43. Third Time’s the Charm
Meaning: After failing twice, the third attempt will be successful.
In a Sentence: I failed my driving test twice, but third time’s the charm—I finally passed!
Other Ways to Say: Third time lucky, success on the third try, three’s the magic number
44. Time Waits for No One
Meaning: Time continues to pass regardless of anyone’s wishes or circumstances.
In a Sentence: She realized that time waits for no one and decided to pursue her dreams immediately.
Other Ways to Say: Time marches on, time doesn’t stop, time keeps moving
45. Waste Time
Meaning: To spend time on unproductive or unnecessary activities.
In a Sentence: Stop wasting time on social media and finish your homework.
Other Ways to Say: Squander time, fritter away time, kill time uselessly
46. In the Fullness of Time
Meaning: Eventually, when the appropriate time comes; when circumstances are right.
In a Sentence: In the fullness of time, all the details of what happened that night will be revealed.
Other Ways to Say: Eventually, in due course, when the time is right
47. Not Give Someone the Time of Day
Meaning: To refuse to acknowledge or pay attention to someone, showing complete disinterest.
In a Sentence: After their argument, she wouldn’t give him the time of day, ignoring all his messages.
Other Ways to Say: Ignore completely, snub, refuse to acknowledge
48. Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
Meaning: Enjoyable activities make time seem to pass very quickly.
In a Sentence: We talked for four hours straight—time really flies when you’re having fun!
Other Ways to Say: Fun makes time pass quickly, enjoying yourself speeds up time, pleasure accelerates time
49. Bide Your Time
Meaning: To wait patiently for the right moment or opportunity.
In a Sentence: Rather than applying immediately, he decided to bide his time and wait for a more senior position to open up.
Other Ways to Say: Wait patiently, be patient, wait for the right moment
50. From Time to Time
Meaning: Occasionally; happening at irregular intervals but not constantly.
In a Sentence: I don’t see my college friends often, but we get together from time to time for reunions.
Other Ways to Say: Occasionally, now and then, every so often
51. In the Heat of the Moment
Meaning: Acting impulsively during a time of strong emotion without thinking carefully.
In a Sentence: He said some hurtful things in the heat of the moment that he later regretted.
Other Ways to Say: Acting impulsively, caught up in emotion, without thinking
52. Keep Up with the Times
Meaning: To stay current with modern trends, technology, and ideas.
In a Sentence: The company needs to keep up with the times by adopting new digital marketing strategies.
Other Ways to Say: Stay current, stay modern, move with the times
53. Mark Time
Meaning: To stay busy without making real progress, waiting for something to happen.
In a Sentence: He’s just marking time at his current job until something better comes along.
Other Ways to Say: Tread water, wait it out, stay put
54. Test of Time
Meaning: Whether something remains valuable, relevant, or durable over a long period.
In a Sentence: Classic literature has stood the test of time, remaining popular for centuries.
Other Ways to Say: Endure over time, remain relevant, last through the years
55. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
Meaning: Taking care of a problem immediately prevents it from becoming much worse later.
In a Sentence: Fix that small leak now—a stitch in time saves nine, and you’ll avoid major water damage.
Other Ways to Say: Prevention is better than cure, act early, address problems immediately
Quiz: Idioms for Time
Test your knowledge of time-related idioms with this comprehensive quiz based on the article above!
Question 1
What does the idiom “in the nick of time” mean?
A) To waste time unnecessarily
B) At the last possible moment before it’s too late
C) To have plenty of time available
D) To work slowly and carefully
Answer: B) At the last possible moment before it’s too late
Question 2
If someone is “pressed for time,” what situation are they in?
A) They have all day to complete their tasks
B) They are enjoying their free time
C) They have very little time available
D) They are taking a break from work
Answer: C) They have very little time available
Question 3
What does “time flies” express?
A) Time passes very quickly
B) Time moves extremely slowly
C) You’re bored and waiting
D) You have too much free time
Answer: A) Time passes very quickly
Question 4
When someone says “time is money,” what are they emphasizing?
A) That clocks are expensive
B) That time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted
C) That money can buy more time
D) That working overtime pays well
Answer: B) That time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted
Question 5
What does it mean to “kill time”?
A) To work very efficiently
B) To miss an important deadline
C) To do something while waiting for something else
D) To waste time on purpose
Answer: C) To do something while waiting for something else
Question 6
If something is “a matter of time,” what does this suggest?
A) It will never happen
B) It will inevitably happen eventually
C) It happened in the past
D) It requires careful timing
Answer: B) It will inevitably happen eventually
Question 7
What does “against the clock” mean?
A) Working leisurely without any rush
B) Working urgently to complete something before a deadline
C) Working night shifts
D) Disagreeing with someone’s schedule
Answer: B) Working urgently to complete something before a deadline
Question 8
When someone says they had “the time of their life,” what are they expressing?
A) They were very bored
B) They were confused about something
C) They had an extremely enjoyable experience
D) They ran out of time
Answer: C) They had an extremely enjoyable experience
Question 9
What does “make up for lost time” mean?
A) To find a missing clock
B) To compensate for time previously wasted by working harder
C) To apologize for being late
D) To set your watch to the correct time
Answer: B) To compensate for time previously wasted by working harder
Question 10
If someone is “behind the times,” what does this indicate?
A) They are always late to meetings
B) They are ahead of schedule
C) They are old-fashioned or not keeping up with current trends
D) They live in a different time zone
Answer: C) They are old-fashioned or not keeping up with current trends
Question 11
What does “at the eleventh hour” mean?
A) At 11 o’clock
B) At the very last moment, just before a deadline
C) Early in the morning
D) In the middle of the night
Answer: B) At the very last moment, just before a deadline
Question 12
When we say “only time will tell,” what are we suggesting?
A) Clocks are the best communicators
B) The outcome will only become clear in the future
C) We need to buy a new watch
D) Time is the most important thing
Answer: B) The outcome will only become clear in the future
Question 13
What does “turn back the clock” mean?
A) To adjust your watch backwards
B) To return to an earlier time or make things as they were
C) To work backwards on a project
D) To refuse to acknowledge the present
Answer: B) To return to an earlier time or make things as they were
Question 14
If someone is “ahead of their time,” what does this mean?
A) They arrive early to appointments
B) They have ideas too advanced for the current period
C) They are aging quickly
D) They live in the future
Answer: B) They have ideas too advanced for the current period
Question 15
What does it mean to work “around the clock”?
A) To work near a clock factory
B) To avoid working at certain times
C) To work continuously for 24 hours without stopping
D) To work in a circular pattern
Answer: C) To work continuously for 24 hours without stopping
Question 16
When someone says “it’s high time,” what are they suggesting?
A) It’s late at night
B) Something is long overdue and should happen now
C) They’re feeling happy
D) The clock is placed too high on the wall
Answer: B) Something is long overdue and should happen now
Question 17
What does “in no time” mean?
A) Never
B) Very quickly or almost immediately
C) Without using a watch
D) During a time-out
Answer: B) Very quickly or almost immediately
Question 18
If you “buy time,” what are you doing?
A) Purchasing a new watch
B) Delaying something to gain more time for preparation
C) Paying someone to work faster
D) Shopping during business hours
Answer: B) Delaying something to gain more time for preparation
Question 19
What does “call it a day” mean?
A) To name a specific day
B) To decide to stop working, typically at day’s end
C) To make a phone call during the day
D) To announce a holiday
Answer: B) To decide to stop working, typically at day’s end
Question 20
When something goes “down to the wire,” what is happening?
A) It’s falling and hitting a wire
B) It continues until the very last moment before a deadline
C) It’s being transmitted electronically
D) It’s getting tangled in cables
Answer: B) It continues until the very last moment before a deadline
Question 21
What does “time and time again” mean?
A) Once or twice
B) Never
C) Repeatedly, many times over
D) Only on special occasions
Answer: C) Repeatedly, many times over
Question 22
If someone has “time on their hands,” what is their situation?
A) They’re wearing a wristwatch
B) They have dirty hands
C) They have free time with nothing specific to do
D) They’re holding a clock
Answer: C) They have free time with nothing specific to do
Question 23
What does “a once in a lifetime” opportunity mean?
A) An opportunity that happens every year
B) A common, everyday occurrence
C) An extremely rare opportunity that may never happen again
D) Something that happens once per day
Answer: C) An extremely rare opportunity that may never happen again
Question 24
When someone says “time heals all wounds,” what are they suggesting?
A) Time can perform surgery
B) Emotional pain becomes easier to bear as time passes
C) Physical injuries heal automatically
D) Wounds should be timed carefully
Answer: B) Emotional pain becomes easier to bear as time passes
Question 25
What does “hit the big time” mean?
A) To strike a large clock
B) To achieve a high level of success or fame
C) To experience a major setback
D) To work very long hours
Answer: B) To achieve a high level of success or fame
Question 26
If something is true “for the time being,” how long is it true?
A) Forever
B) Never
C) Temporarily, for now but not permanently
D) Only in the past
Answer: C) Temporarily, for now but not permanently
Question 27
What does “beat the clock” mean?
A) To destroy a timepiece
B) To finish something before time runs out
C) To make rhythmic sounds
D) To stay up all night
Answer: B) To finish something before time runs out
Question 28
When we say “time stands still,” what are we describing?
A) A broken clock
B) A moment that feels frozen or eternal
C) Being stuck in traffic
D) A statue of Father Time
Answer: B) A moment that feels frozen or eternal
Question 29
What is “crunch time”?
A) A snack break
B) A critical period when intense effort is needed to meet a deadline
C) Exercise time
D) Breakfast time with cereal
Answer: B) A critical period when intense effort is needed to meet a deadline
Question 30
If you “give someone a hard time,” what are you doing?
A) Giving them a difficult clock
B) Criticizing, teasing, or creating difficulties for them
C) Telling them the current time
D) Working with them during difficult hours
Answer: B) Criticizing, teasing, or creating difficulties for them
Question 31
What does “have a whale of a time” mean?
A) To go whale watching
B) To enjoy oneself very much
C) To spend time at the beach
D) To feel overwhelmed
Answer: B) To enjoy oneself very much
Question 32
If someone is “living on borrowed time,” what is their situation?
A) They borrowed a watch from someone
B) They’re continuing to survive beyond an expected time
C) They owe someone money
D) They’re using a library book
Answer: B) They’re continuing to survive beyond an expected time
Question 33
What does the greeting “long time no see” mean?
A) I have poor eyesight
B) An informal way to say you haven’t seen someone in a while
C) Time is invisible
D) I don’t want to see you
Answer: B) An informal way to say you haven’t seen someone in a while
Question 34
When you “make time” for something, what are you doing?
A) Creating a new clock
B) Prioritizing and creating availability in your schedule
C) Manufacturing watches
D) Writing down times
Answer: B) Prioritizing and creating availability in your schedule
Question 35
What does “the time is ripe” mean?
A) Fruit is ready to eat
B) The clock is overripe
C) Conditions are perfect for something to happen
D) It’s harvest season
Answer: C) Conditions are perfect for something to happen
Question 36
What is a “time out”?
A) Running out of time
B) A break or pause from an activity
C) A clock malfunction
D) Working overtime
Answer: B) A break or pause from an activity
Question 37
If something is “time-honored,” what does this mean?
A) It won an award
B) It’s respected because of long tradition or history
C) It’s on time
D) It’s expensive
Answer: B) It’s respected because of long tradition or history
Question 38
What does “running out of time” mean?
A) Jogging is ending
B) Having less and less time available before a deadline
C) Escaping from a clock
D) Time is leaking
Answer: B) Having less and less time available before a deadline
Question 39
When someone tells you to “take your time,” what are they suggesting?
A) Steal their watch
B) Proceed slowly and carefully without rushing
C) Leave immediately
D) Work as fast as possible
Answer: B) Proceed slowly and carefully without rushing
Question 40
What does “third time’s the charm” mean?
A) Three is a lucky number
B) After failing twice, the third attempt will be successful
C) You should always try three times
D) Three o’clock is magical
Answer: B) After failing twice, the third attempt will be successful
Question 41
What does the saying “time waits for no one” convey?
A) Clocks don’t have patience
B) Time continues to pass regardless of anyone’s wishes
C) You should never wait
D) Everyone is always on time
Answer: B) Time continues to pass regardless of anyone’s wishes
Question 42
If you “waste time,” what are you doing?
A) Throwing away a clock
B) Spending time on unproductive activities
C) Recycling old watches
D) Being environmentally unfriendly
Answer: B) Spending time on unproductive activities
Question 43
What does “in the fullness of time” mean?
A) When you’re completely full after eating
B) Eventually, when the appropriate time comes
C) When time is abundant
D) During a full moon
Answer: B) Eventually, when the appropriate time comes
Question 44
If you “not give someone the time of day,” what are you doing?
A) Refusing to tell them what time it is
B) Refusing to acknowledge or pay attention to them
C) Not working during daytime
D) Keeping your watch hidden
Answer: B) Refusing to acknowledge or pay attention to them
Question 45
What does “bide your time” mean?
A) To say goodbye to time
B) To wait patiently for the right moment
C) To purchase time
D) To hurry up
Answer: B) To wait patiently for the right moment
Question 46
What does “from time to time” mean?
A) Traveling between time zones
B) Occasionally, happening at irregular intervals
C) Always
D) Never
Answer: B) Occasionally, happening at irregular intervals
Question 47
If someone acts “in the heat of the moment,” what are they doing?
A) Responding to hot weather
B) Acting impulsively during strong emotion without thinking
C) Cooking something
D) Checking the temperature
Answer: B) Acting impulsively during strong emotion without thinking
Question 48
What does “keep up with the times” mean?
A) To walk alongside clocks
B) To stay current with modern trends and technology
C) To collect vintage watches
D) To always be punctual
Answer: B) To stay current with modern trends and technology
Question 49
If someone is “marking time,” what are they doing?
A) Drawing on a calendar
B) Staying busy without making real progress
C) Writing down times
D) Working productively
Answer: B) Staying busy without making real progress
Question 50
What does it mean if something has “stood the test of time”?
A) It was tested with a stopwatch
B) It has remained valuable or relevant over a long period
C) It’s been stored for a long time
D) It failed to last
Answer: B) It has remained valuable or relevant over a long period
Question 51
What does the idiom “a stitch in time saves nine” mean?
A) Sewing is faster than expected
B) Taking care of a problem immediately prevents it from becoming worse
C) Nine stitches are always needed
D) Tailors save time
Answer: B) Taking care of a problem immediately prevents it from becoming worse
Question 52
What does “time drags” describe?
A) Pulling a clock across the floor
B) Time seeming to pass very slowly
C) A type of race
D) Time passing quickly
Answer: B) Time seeming to pass very slowly
Question 53
When is “crunch time” most commonly experienced?
A) During lunch breaks
B) During critical periods before deadlines
C) While eating crunchy foods
D) During morning exercises
Answer: B) During critical periods before deadlines
Question 54
What does “a race against time” emphasize?
A) A running competition
B) The urgency of completing something quickly before it’s too late
C) Time moving slowly
D) A leisurely activity
Answer: B) The urgency of completing something quickly before it’s too late
Question 55
If you “save time,” what are you accomplishing?
A) Putting time in a bank
B) Reducing the amount of time needed to complete a task
C) Rescuing a clock from danger
D) Adding more hours to the day
Answer: B) Reducing the amount of time needed to complete a task
Congratulations on completing the quiz! How many did you get right? These idioms will help you express yourself more naturally when talking about time in English conversations.
Wrap Up
These 55 idioms give you a comprehensive toolkit for discussing time in natural, expressive ways. Whether you’re describing a deadline, reminiscing about the past, or contemplating the future, these phrases will help you communicate with the color and nuance that native speakers use every day.
Remember, the best way to make these idioms truly your own is to start incorporating them into your conversations—and before you know it, they’ll roll off your tongue as naturally as, well, time flies!
Tony James is a skilled writer with over 5 years of experience specializing in the “noun” niche. He delves deep into the intricacies of language, exploring the significance and usage of nouns in everyday communication. Tony’s work simplifies complex linguistic concepts, making them accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.