People plan their days using schedules. Some people like to follow a plan, while others go with the flow. No matter how you do things, time is important. We have many sayings about keeping or missing a schedule. These sayings make conversations more fun and clear.
Idioms about schedules talk about being on time, running late, or changing plans. They help us explain our daily routines. If you have ever been “on the clock” or “pressed for time,” you’ve used one. These expressions make talking about time easier. In this article, you will learn some common idioms about schedules and how to use them.
Idioms About Schedule
1. On the clock
Meaning: To be working or actively doing something.
Example Sentence:
- “I’m on the clock, so I can’t chat right now.”
- “She’s been on the clock since 9 AM.”
Other ways to say: At work, on duty, working hard.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to using a time clock to punch in at work.
Usage: Used to refer to being at work or actively working.
2. Running late
Meaning: To be behind schedule.
Example Sentence:
- “I’m running late for my appointment!”
- “She was running late and missed the bus.”
Other ways to say: Behind schedule, delayed, out of time.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is used when you’re not on time and need to hurry.
Usage: Used when you’re behind or not on time.
3. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time, right before something bad happens.
Example Sentence:
- “He made it to the airport in the nick of time!”
- “She finished the project in the nick of time.”
Other ways to say: Just in time, at the last minute, right on time.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that “nick” means a small cut, and getting something done just before the last moment is like barely escaping.
Usage: Used when something is done just before a deadline or before it’s too late.
4. On schedule
Meaning: To be exactly on time.
Example Sentence:
- “The train is on schedule and will arrive at 10:30.”
- “The project is going well, and we are still on schedule.”
Other ways to say: On time, right on track, timely.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often used in transportation and project management to describe things going as planned.
Usage: Used when something is happening as planned, without delay.
5. Behind schedule
Meaning: To be late or not on time.
Example Sentence:
- “The meeting is behind schedule, we will start in 10 minutes.”
- “I’m behind schedule because I missed the bus.”
Other ways to say: Running late, delayed, not on time.
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in situations where the time set for something is missed.
Usage: Used when you’re not on track and need to catch up.
6. Beat the clock
Meaning: To finish something before time runs out.
Example Sentence:
- “I finished the test just as the bell rang. I really beat the clock!”
- “She beat the clock by submitting the report early.”
Other ways to say: Finish early, in time, ahead of schedule.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to trying to finish something before time runs out, like racing against a clock.
Usage: Used when you finish something just before time is up.
7. In good time
Meaning: With enough time to spare.
Example Sentence:
- “We arrived at a good time before the show started.”
- “She finished the project in good time.”
Other ways to say: Early, ahead of schedule, with time to spare.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests arriving or completing something before the last minute.
Usage: Used when something is done with plenty of time left.
8. Pressed for time
Meaning: To be in a hurry or running out of time.
Example Sentence:
- “I’m pressed for time, so I can’t chat right now.”
- “She was pressed for time and had to skip lunch.”
Other ways to say: Rushed, out of time, in a rush.
Fun Fact/Origin: “Pressed” refers to being pushed or hurried by time.
Usage: Used when someone doesn’t have much time left.
9. Time’s up
Meaning: The time limit has ended.
Example Sentence:
- “Time’s up! Please put your pencils down.”
- “We had an hour to finish the quiz, and time’s up!”
Other ways to say: Time’s over, finished, deadline.
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in games, tests, or activities with a set end time.
Usage: Used when the time limit is reached or expired.
10. On the dot
Meaning: Exactly on time.
Example Sentence:
- “I’ll be there at 2 PM, on the dot.”
- “The meeting starts on the dot, so don’t be late!”
Other ways to say: Exactly on time, precisely, right on time.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the exact moment when the clock strikes the scheduled time.
Usage: Used when something happens at the exact planned time.
11. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To work harder to catch up on what you missed.
Example Sentence:
- “We need to make up for lost time and finish the project by today.”
- “He missed a week of school, but he worked hard to make up for lost time.”
Other ways to say: Catch up, get back on track, recover time.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests making up for time that was wasted or lost.
Usage: Used when someone tries to catch up after being behind schedule.
12. Take your time
Meaning: To do something slowly without rushing.
Example Sentence:
- “Take your time to finish your homework.”
- “We have plenty of time, so take your time with the project.”
Other ways to say: Don’t rush, take it easy, go at your own pace.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests that there is no need to hurry or rush.
Usage: Used when someone can go slowly and not worry about the clock.
13. At the last minute
Meaning: To do something just before time runs out.
Example Sentence:
- “She finished her homework at the last minute.”
- “They decided to book the tickets at the last minute.”
Other ways to say: Just in time, at the deadline, right before time runs out.
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used when something is done right before the scheduled time.
Usage: Used when something happens very close to a deadline.
14. Clock in/clock out
Meaning: To record the time you start and finish work.
Example Sentence:
- “He clocks in at 9 AM and clocks out at 5 PM.”
- “Don’t forget to clock in when you arrive at work.”
Other ways to say: Punch in, punch out, register work hours.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the practice of using a time clock to record working hours.
Usage: Used to talk about starting and ending work.
15. Run out of time
Meaning: To have no time left.
Example Sentence:
- “We ran out of time and couldn’t finish the test.”
- “I ran out of time and missed my meeting.”
Other ways to say: Out of time, no time left, time expired.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the situation when time is completely used up.
Usage: Used when time is no longer available.
16. Ahead of schedule
Meaning: To complete something earlier than planned.
Example Sentence:
- “We finished the project ahead of schedule.”
- “She arrived ahead of schedule for the appointment.”
Other ways to say: Early, before time, on track.
Fun Fact/Origin: Used when things are going faster than expected.
Usage: Used when something is done earlier than planned.
17. Set the clock
Meaning: To schedule something to happen at a particular time.
Example Sentence:
- “We need to set the clock for the meeting at 2 PM.”
- “I’ll set the clock to remind me to pick up the kids.”
Other ways to say: Schedule, plan, arrange.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to setting a time for something, like setting a clock.
Usage: Used when scheduling something or arranging a time.
18. Killing time
Meaning: To pass time without doing anything important.
Example Sentence:
- “We had to wait for an hour, so we were just killing time.”
- “I was killing time by reading while waiting for my friend.”
Other ways to say: Passing time, waiting around, wasting time.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of making the time go by without any specific purpose.
Usage: Used when you’re just passing time while waiting for something.
19. Mark the time
Meaning: To record or note the specific time.
Example Sentence:
- “I’ll mark the time and let you know when we’re finished.”
- “She marked the time of our arrival to keep track.”
Other ways to say: Note the time, track time, set the time.
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used to track the exact moment something happens.
Usage: Used when recording the time for reference.
20. On a tight schedule
Meaning: To have very little time to complete tasks.
Example Sentence:
- “I’m on a tight schedule, so I can only stay for a few minutes.”
- “She’s on a tight schedule today and can’t meet until next week.”
Other ways to say: Busy, short on time, limited time.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to having limited time to finish something.
Usage: Used when someone has a busy schedule with little free time.
21. A race against time
Meaning: Trying to finish something before time runs out.
Example Sentence:
- “It’s a race against time to get the project done by Friday.”
- “We were in a race against time to catch the last bus.”
Other ways to say: Against the clock, in a hurry, with little time.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often used in urgent situations where time is running out.
Usage: Used when you have little time to complete a task.
22. Time flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly.
Example Sentence:
- “Time flies when you’re having fun!”
- “The meeting was so interesting, time just flew by.”
Other ways to say: Time passes quickly, before you know it, in the blink of an eye.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase expresses how quickly time seems to pass, especially during enjoyable activities.
Usage: Used when time seems to pass faster than expected.
23. Mark your calendar
Meaning: To note an important date or event.
Example Sentence:
- “Mark your calendar for the team meeting next Monday.”
- “Make sure to mark your calendar for the school play.”
Other ways to say: Note the date, save the date, make a note of.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to physically writing down a date on a calendar as a reminder.
Usage: Used when reminding someone to remember an important event.
24. Hit the deadline
Meaning: To finish something just on time.
Example Sentence:
- “I hit the deadline for the project by working all night.”
- “She made sure to hit the deadline for the school assignment.”
Other ways to say: Meet the deadline, finish on time, complete by the deadline.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase suggests finishing a task exactly by the set deadline.
Usage: Used when you finish something right on time or by the deadline.
25. Take a rain check
Meaning: To decline an invitation or request but suggest doing it later.
Example Sentence:
- “I can’t go to the movies today, but I’ll take a rain check.”
- “Sorry, I can’t meet today, but I’ll take a rain check.”
Other ways to say: Postpone, reschedule, later.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of rain preventing an outdoor event, so it’s moved to another time.
Usage: Used when you want to postpone an activity or event.
26. Run out of time
Meaning: To not have enough time left to finish something.
Example Sentence:
- “We ran out of time before we could finish the game.”
- “I ran out of time on my homework and couldn’t finish.”
Other ways to say: Out of time, time expired, no more time.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the point when time is completely used up.
Usage: Used when time is up and something couldn’t be completed.
27. Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable, and wasting it means wasting potential money.
Example Sentence:
- “He always says time is money, so he’s always working hard.”
- “We can’t waste time on this project; time is money.”
Other ways to say: Time is precious, value your time, every minute counts.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase was made popular by Benjamin Franklin, emphasizing the value of time in work and business.
Usage: Used to stress how important time is, especially in business or work.
28. A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Fixing a small problem right away can prevent bigger problems later.
Example Sentence:
- “You should clean up that spill now—a stitch in time saves nine.”
- “Fix the leak now, a stitch in time saves nine.”
Other ways to say: Act early, take care of it now, handle problems quickly.
Fun Fact/Origin: This old saying means taking quick action saves time and effort in the future.
Usage: Used when it’s better to address small problems quickly to avoid bigger issues.
29. Out of the blue
Meaning: Something unexpected or happening suddenly.
Example Sentence:
- “He called me out of the blue after not talking for years.”
- “The event was planned out of the blue, without any warning.”
Other ways to say: Unexpectedly, suddenly, without warning.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of something surprising coming from the sky, like a bolt of lightning.
Usage: Used when something happens suddenly or without prior notice.
30. Take your sweet time
Meaning: To take as much time as needed, often without rushing.
Example Sentence:
- “You can take your sweet time, there’s no hurry.”
- “She’s taking her sweet time finishing her homework.”
Other ways to say: Take it slow, go at your own pace, no rush.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests that there is no need to rush and that time can be spent slowly.
Usage: Used when someone can take as much time as they want without pressure.
31. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Something happening very quickly.
Example Sentence:
- “The accident happened in the blink of an eye.”
- “The summer passed in the blink of an eye.”
Other ways to say: In an instant, in no time, very quickly.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how quickly time passes when you blink your eye.
Usage: Used when something happens in a very short amount of time.
32. Lost track of time
Meaning: To forget how much time has passed.
Example Sentence:
- “I lost track of time and didn’t realize how late it was.”
- “She was so focused on the book that she lost track of time.”
Other ways to say: Time slipped away, forgot the time, and wasn’t paying attention to time.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is used when you forget to check the time and lose sense of it.
Usage: Used when you become so involved in something that you forget about time.
33. Run like clockwork
Meaning: To run smoothly, without any problems.
Example Sentence:
- “The meeting ran like clockwork and finished on time.”
- “The event was organized perfectly and ran like clockwork.”
Other ways to say: Run smoothly, go as planned, function perfectly.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how a well-made clock works without any issues.
Usage: Used when something happens exactly as planned, without delays.
34. Time to spare
Meaning: Having extra time.
Example Sentence:
- “We got to the airport early and had time to spare.”
- “She finished the project with time to spare.”
Other ways to say: Extra time, time left over, a little more time.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to having more time than you need.
Usage: Used when you have time left after completing a task or activity.
35. Cut it close
Meaning: To nearly run out of time but finish just in time.
Example Sentence:
- “We cut it close, but we made it to the concert before it started.”
- “He cut it close by finishing the homework just before the deadline.”
Other ways to say: Almost late, barely on time, just made it.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to cutting the time limit very tightly, almost missing it.
Usage: Used when something is done right at the last moment.
36. Out of time
Meaning: Not having enough time left to finish something.
Example Sentence:
- “We’re out of time, so we need to end the meeting now.”
- “She was out of time and couldn’t finish her homework.”
Other ways to say: No time left, time’s up, past the deadline.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to when time runs out completely.
Usage: Used when there is no time left to complete something.
37. A busy bee
Meaning: Someone who is very busy and always working.
Example Sentence:
- “She’s been a busy bee, working on three projects at once!”
- “He’s a busy bee during the holidays, preparing for the big sale.”
Other ways to say: Hard worker, always on the go, constantly busy.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase compares a person to a bee, which is always busy.
Usage: Used to describe someone who is always working or active.
38. Time will tell
Meaning: The truth or outcome will be revealed over time.
Example Sentence:
- “Time will tell if this plan works out.”
- “We’ll see how the new project goes, time will tell.”
Other ways to say: We’ll see, the future will show, we’ll find out later.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests that you will find out what happens after some time has passed.
Usage: Used when you can’t know the result yet but will find out in the future.
39. Make time for
Meaning: To find time in your schedule for something important.
Example Sentence:
- “I need to make time for my friends this weekend.”
- “You should make time for exercise every day.”
Other ways to say: Find time for, make room for, set aside time for.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase means to adjust your schedule to fit something important in.
Usage: Used when you prioritize something by setting aside time for it.
40. A time to shine
Meaning: A moment when someone can show their abilities or do something great.
Example Sentence:
- “The competition was her time to shine.”
- “The big game is his time to shine!”
Other ways to say: Moment to shine, time to show off, opportunity to excel.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to a moment where someone gets to show their talents or abilities.
Usage: Used when someone has an opportunity to succeed or perform well.
41. On the clock
Meaning: Working or being paid for your time.
Example Sentence:
- “I’m on the clock right now, so I can’t talk.”
- “She’s on the clock until 5 PM today.”
Other ways to say: Working hours, during work, on duty.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to being on time for work, often monitored by a clock for hours worked.
Usage: Used when someone is working or being paid during a set time.
42. Around the clock
Meaning: Doing something continuously, all day and night.
Example Sentence:
- “The hospital has doctors working around the clock.”
- “We worked around the clock to finish the project.”
Other ways to say: 24/7, nonstop, all day long.
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the clock being watched at all hours, indicating continuous action.
Usage: Used when something is done continuously without stopping.
43. Like clockwork
Meaning: Working or happening exactly as planned.
Example Sentence:
- “The train leaves at 8 AM like clockwork every day.”
- “Their schedules run like clockwork, no delays at all.”
Other ways to say: Without a hitch, smoothly, on schedule.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase refers to the precise and reliable movement of a clock.
Usage: Used when everything happens as expected, with no surprises or delays.
44. Time’s up
Meaning: The time for doing something has run out.
Example Sentence:
- “Time’s up! Please hand in your test papers.”
- “We had 30 minutes to finish the quiz, and now time’s up.”
Other ways to say: Time is over, the clock has run out, deadline passed.
Fun Fact/Origin: A common phrase used in games or tests when the time limit is reached.
Usage: Used when the time allowed for something has ended.
45. At the last minute
Meaning: Doing something just before the time is up.
Example Sentence:
- “He handed in the report at the last minute.”
- “She always leaves her assignments until the last minute.”
Other ways to say: Just in time, at the buzzer, with seconds to spare.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of completing something right before the deadline.
Usage: Used when something is done right at the very end, close to the deadline.
Quiz: Idioms About Schedule
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does the idiom “hit the deadline” mean?
A) To miss the deadline completely
B) To finish something just in time
C) To start a task very early
2. What does it mean when someone says “time flies”?
A) Time passes slowly
B) Time passes quickly
C) Time doesn’t pass at all
3. What does “a race against time” refer to?
A) Having plenty of time to finish something
B) Trying to finish something before time runs out
C) Spending time on fun activities
4. If someone says “take a rain check,” what are they doing?
A) Agreeing to do something right away
B) Declining something but suggesting doing it later
C) Getting ready to leave
5. What does “lost track of time” mean?
A) You’re paying close attention to time
B) You forgot how much time has passed
C) You’re racing against time
6. What does “cut it close” mean?
A) Finish something with plenty of time left
B) Finish something just before the deadline
C) Start a task early
7. If something is “around the clock,” what is happening?
A) It is happening all day and night
B) It happens only during the day
C) It’s happening for a short time
8. What does the idiom “time to spare” mean?
A) Running out of time
B) Having extra time
C) Not enough time
9. If something is running “like clockwork,” what does it mean?
A) It’s not going according to plan
B) It’s happening without any problems
C) It’s taking longer than expected
10. What does “a stitch in time saves nine” mean?
A) Fixing a small problem later can prevent bigger problems
B) Fixing a small problem right away can prevent bigger problems
C) Avoiding problems is the best choice
Answer Key
- B – To finish something just in time
- B – Time passes quickly
- B – Trying to finish something before time runs out
- B – Declining something but suggesting doing it later
- B – You forgot how much time has passed
- B – Finish something just before the deadline
- A – It is happening all day and night
- B – Having extra time
- B – It’s happening without any problems
- B – Fixing a small problem right away can prevent bigger problems
Wrapping Up
We’ve covered a lot of idioms about schedules today. From phrases like “hit the deadline” to “time flies,” these idioms can help you understand how time works in everyday life. Whether you’re working on a school project, making plans with friends, or just managing your day, knowing these expressions can make it easier to talk about time and tasks.
Remember, idioms add color to language and can make talking about time more fun and interesting. Keep practicing these phrases, and soon, you’ll be using them like a pro!
