25 time idioms and expressions

Learn time vocabulary with definitions and examples.

Learn English time idioms

We’re always talking about the time! In this blog, we have 25 time idioms and expressions that are commonly used by native English speakers. These expressions are in everyday conversations about deadlines and urgency, availability, managing time, and how we experience time in different situations.

Time idioms help bring your English to life, so let’s explore these useful expressions together, and see how you can start using them confidently in your own conversations.

Deadlines and Urgency

These idioms describe situations where time is limited and quick action is needed to meet deadlines or avoid missing opportunities.

against the clock

Meaning
working very quickly due to time pressure.

Example
We’re working against the clock to complete the project before the deadline.

around the clock

Meaning
something operates all day and night.

Example
They’re working around the clock to finish the project on time.

a race against time

Meaning
trying to do something very quickly before a deadline or before something happens.

Example
Scientists are in a race against time to develop solutions to slow climate change.

the eleventh hour

Meaning
at the last possible moment.

Example
They reached an agreement at the eleventh hour.

every second counts

Meaning
every moment is very important because there is very little time available.

Example
Every second counts in a medical emergency.

in the nick of time

Meaning
just before it’s too late.

Example
There were huge problems with the trains, but we made it to the airport in the nick of time.

(run) out of time

Meaning
to have no time left to do something.

Example
We’ve run out of time (we’re out of time) and will need to discuss this in another meeting.

time is of the essence

Meaning
emphasises that time is limited and there is a need to act quickly.

Example
The seller already has other offers, so time is of the essence if we want to buy this house.

tight for time

Meaning
to have very little time available.

Example
I’m a bit tight for time – I need to leave for work in 10 minutes. Can we discuss this tonight instead?

You snooze, you lose

Meaning
if you wait too long to act, you might miss an opportunity.

Example
He didn’t apply for the job in time and someone else got it. You snooze, you lose.

Time Availability & Workload

These expressions focus on how much time people have available and how busy they feel.

not enough hours in the day

Meaning
there are too many things to do, and not enough time.

Example
I’ve got so much to do at work and at home. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.

time on your hands

Meaning
to have extra time available.

Example
I’ve got a bit of time on my hands this weekend, so I might start a new book.

Managing Time & Delays

These idioms relate to how time is managed or used, including situations involving planning or delays.

on time

Meaning
at the planned time; not late.

Example
The train was on time today. Usually, it’s late!

in time

Meaning
before it’s too late.

Example
We arrived in time to see the beginning of the concert.

buy time

Meaning
to delay something so that you have more time to prepare or decide.

Example
I got two job offers yesterday and need to decide which one is best for me. To buy time, I told them I’d get back to them early next week.

for the time being

Meaning
for a temporary or limited period.

Example
You can stay with us for the time being until you find your own place.

make up for lost time

Meaning
to do something more intensively because there was not the opportunity to do it earlier.

Example
We worked extra hours at the weekend to make up for lost time on the project.

take time

Meaning
something requires a longer time to be completed or to happen.

Example
It takes time to learn a new language.

take your time

Meaning
used to tell someone not to hurry.

Example
Take your time to decide which option is best for you.

waste time

Meaning
to use time in an unproductive way.

Example
Am I wasting time watching television every evening or just relaxing?

Perception of Time

These expressions describe how people experience or understand time, including ideas about speed and timing.

better late than never

Meaning
doing something late is better than not doing it.

Example
They didn’t start doing regular exercise until they were in their fifties, but better late than never.

no time like the present

Meaning
used to emphasise that you should do something now, and not delay.

Example
If you want to start your own business, there’s no time like the present.

on the spur of the moment

Meaning
used to describe a spontaneous decision.

Example
On the spur of the moment, we decided to go to the beach.

time flies

Meaning
time passes very quickly, especially when you are enjoying something or very busy.

Example
Time flies when you’re on holiday. It feels like you’ve just arrived and then it’s already time to go home.

time is money

Meaning
used to emphasise that time is extremely valuable.

Example
We can’t delay the product launch any further – time is money. We’re already losing customers and revenue.

Start using time idioms and expressions

Now that you’ve explored these time idioms and expressions, we recommend choosing two or three that you can try using in conversation or creating your own example sentences. Practise is the key to developing language skills, and then it becomes easier to recognise new expressions in films, conversations and everyday situations.

For more vocabulary topics, including phrasal verbs, idioms, and more, take a look at our free English vocabulary lessons.