Time is something everyone in the USA notices every day. We check clocks, set alarms, and mark calendars to keep up with life. Sometimes it feels like time moves slowly, and other times it seems to rush by. People use special phrases, called idioms, to talk about the way time moves. These idioms make language more colorful and help us share feelings about moments that pass.
In America, idioms about time passing are used in daily conversations, movies, and even sports. They help us describe memories, deadlines, or how quickly things change. Learning these phrases can make speaking more fun and help you understand others better. In this article, we’ll explore many common idioms about time passing and see how they are used in the USA.
Idioms About Time Passing
1. Time flies
Meaning: Time seems to go by quickly.
Example Sentence:
• Summer vacation is over already? Time flies.
• The party ended so fast because time flies when you’re having fun.
Other ways to say: Time goes fast, time speeds by
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is over 2,000 years old and comes from a Latin saying meaning “time escapes.”
Usage: Used when events or days seem to pass quickly.
2. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Something happens very quickly.
Example Sentence:
• The weekend was over in the blink of an eye.
• My baby grew into a teenager in the blink of an eye.
Other ways to say: In a flash, instantly
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how short the time is when you blink your eyes.
Usage: Used when something happens faster than expected.
3. Around the clock
Meaning: All day and all night without stopping.
Example Sentence:
• The hospital works around the clock to help patients.
• The construction crew worked around the clock to finish the bridge.
Other ways to say: Nonstop, 24/7
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of a clock face going full circle in 24 hours.
Usage: Used when something happens all the time without a break.
4. Beat the clock
Meaning: To finish something before a deadline.
Example Sentence:
• We beat the clock and turned in our project early.
• The firefighters beat the clock to stop the fire from spreading.
Other ways to say: Finish in time, make the deadline
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sports, where players try to score before the game clock runs out.
Usage: Used when finishing something just in time.
5. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example Sentence:
• My cousins visit only once in a blue moon.
• Eating at that fancy restaurant is a once in a blue moon treat.
Other ways to say: Rarely, hardly ever
Fun Fact/Origin: A “blue moon” is the second full moon in a month, which doesn’t happen often.
Usage: Used when something doesn’t happen very often.
6. Around the bend of time
Meaning: In the near future.
Example Sentence:
• Big changes are just around the bend of time.
• Graduation is right around the bend of time.
Other ways to say: Soon, just ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of walking on a path and seeing something just after a curve.
Usage: Used to describe something that is coming up soon.
7. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To do something quickly because of earlier delays.
Example Sentence:
• We drove fast to make up for lost time after getting stuck in traffic.
• She studied hard to make up for lost time before the test.
Other ways to say: Catch up, get back on schedule
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often used in travel and work situations.
Usage: Used when you need to catch up after falling behind.
8. Time stands still
Meaning: A moment feels like it isn’t moving forward.
Example Sentence:
• When he saw the sunset, it felt like time stood still.
• During the final seconds of the game, time stood still.
Other ways to say: Everything pauses, frozen in time
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often used in books and movies to describe special or intense moments.
Usage: Used for moments that feel slow or unforgettable.
9. Borrowed time
Meaning: Living or doing something after the expected end.
Example Sentence:
• The old truck is still running, but it’s on borrowed time.
• After the doctor’s warning, he felt like he was living on borrowed time.
Other ways to say: Extra time, extended life
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of borrowing something you must give back.
Usage: Used when something lasts longer than expected.
10. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
Example Sentence:
• After finishing the report, we called it a day.
• The coach told the team to call it a day after practice.
Other ways to say: Stop for now, end work
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates back to the 1800s in America, when workers would end their shift.
Usage: Used when stopping work or an activity.
11. Ahead of time
Meaning: Earlier than expected.
Example Sentence:
• We finished our homework ahead of time.
• The movie started ahead of time, so we missed the first scene.
Other ways to say: Early, before schedule
Fun Fact/Origin: First recorded in the mid-1800s in the USA.
Usage: Used when something happens earlier than planned.
12. Behind the times
Meaning: Old-fashioned or not keeping up with changes.
Example Sentence:
• His phone is so old, he’s behind the times.
• Some people think my style is behind the times.
Other ways to say: Outdated, old-fashioned
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used to talk about technology or fashion.
Usage: Used when someone or something is not modern.
13. The eleventh hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment.
Example Sentence:
• She turned in her paper at the eleventh hour.
• The deal was signed at the eleventh hour before the deadline.
Other ways to say: Last minute, just in time
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the Bible, meaning just before the end of the day’s work.
Usage: Used when something happens right before it’s too late.
14. Kill time
Meaning: Do something to make time pass.
Example Sentence:
• We played cards to kill time before our flight.
• Reading helped me kill time while waiting for the doctor.
Other ways to say: Pass the time, occupy yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: First used in the 1800s; means to “spend” time doing small tasks.
Usage: Used when waiting for something.
15. Against the clock
Meaning: Rushing to finish before time runs out.
Example Sentence:
• We worked against the clock to finish the mural.
• The team was racing against the clock to complete the project.
Other ways to say: In a hurry, time running out
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in sports and competitions.
Usage: Used when time is very short.
16. A race against time
Meaning: Trying to finish something quickly before a deadline.
Example Sentence:
• Saving the hikers was a race against time.
• It’s a race against time to finish the school play set.
Other ways to say: Rush job, urgent task
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in news stories about rescues.
Usage: Used when fast action is needed.
17. On time
Meaning: At the exact planned moment.
Example Sentence:
• The train left on time.
• Please be on time for the meeting.
Other ways to say: Prompt, punctual
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in schedules and appointments.
Usage: Used when something starts or happens as planned.
18. Lose track of time
Meaning: Forget what time it is.
Example Sentence:
• I lost track of time while playing video games.
• She lost track of time reading her favorite book.
Other ways to say: Forget the time, time slipped away
Fun Fact/Origin: Often happens when someone is deeply focused on something.
Usage: Used when you don’t notice how much time has passed.
19. Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable, so don’t waste it.
Example Sentence:
• In business, time is money.
• He works fast because he believes time is money.
Other ways to say: Time is precious, don’t waste time
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized by Benjamin Franklin.
Usage: Used to remind people that wasting time can cost money.
20. Third time’s the charm
Meaning: Succeeding on the third try.
Example Sentence:
• I failed twice, but the third time’s the charm.
• She passed the test on her third try—third time’s the charm.
Other ways to say: Success on the third try, try again
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on old sayings about luck and persistence.
Usage: Used to encourage someone after failures.
21. Take your time
Meaning: Don’t hurry.
Example Sentence:
• Take your time answering the question.
• We told him to take his time building the treehouse.
Other ways to say: No rush, go at your own pace
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in everyday speech in America.
Usage: Used to tell someone to be slow and careful.
22. Time heals all wounds
Meaning: Feelings of hurt or sadness will get better over time.
Example Sentence:
• She’s still sad now, but time heals all wounds.
• He finally smiled again—time heals all wounds.
Other ways to say: Pain fades, healing takes time
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates back to ancient Greece.
Usage: Used to comfort someone going through a hard time.
23. Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Example Sentence:
• He finally finished his homework—better late than never.
• We were late to the party, but better late than never.
Other ways to say: Late is better than nothing, not too late
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular English proverb.
Usage: Used to encourage action even if delayed.
24. Time will tell
Meaning: The truth or result will be known later.
Example Sentence:
• Time will tell if our plan works.
• Time will tell if they become friends again.
Other ways to say: We’ll see, wait and find out
Fun Fact/Origin: A common phrase in American politics and sports.
Usage: Used when the future outcome is uncertain.
25. Make time
Meaning: Arrange your schedule to do something.
Example Sentence:
• Make time to visit your grandparents.
• She made time for exercise every morning.
Other ways to say: Set aside time, schedule time
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in self-help and productivity advice.
Usage: Used when prioritizing something important.
26. Out of time
Meaning: Having no time left.
Example Sentence:
• We ran out of time during the test.
• The team was out of time before they could score.
Other ways to say: Time’s up, no time left
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in games, sports, and deadlines.
Usage: Used when the clock runs out.
27. For the time being
Meaning: For now, but not forever.
Example Sentence:
• We’ll stay here for the time being.
• He’s working part-time for the time being.
Other ways to say: For now, temporarily
Fun Fact/Origin: First used in the 1700s.
Usage: Used when something is temporary.
28. From time to time
Meaning: Occasionally.
Example Sentence:
• We visit the park from time to time.
• From time to time, I treat myself to ice cream.
Other ways to say: Sometimes, every so often
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates back to the 1500s in English writing.
Usage: Used for things that happen now and then.
29. High time
Meaning: The right or overdue time for something.
Example Sentence:
• It’s high time we cleaned the garage.
• It’s high time she apologized.
Other ways to say: About time, finally
Fun Fact/Origin: Used since the 1400s to mean “long overdue.”
Usage: Used when something should have been done already.
30. All in good time
Meaning: Something will happen when the right moment comes.
Example Sentence:
• You’ll learn to ride a bike all in good time.
• All in good time, you’ll see the results.
Other ways to say: Be patient, in due time
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in advice-giving in the USA.
Usage: Used to tell someone to wait.
31. No time to lose
Meaning: Something must be done quickly.
Example Sentence:
• We have no time to lose—let’s get moving.
• There’s no time to lose if we want to catch the train.
Other ways to say: Hurry up, act now
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in action movies and sports commentary.
Usage: Used in urgent situations.
32. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just before it’s too late.
Example Sentence:
• We caught the bus in the nick of time.
• He stopped the ball in the nick of time.
Other ways to say: Just in time, barely made it
Fun Fact/Origin: “Nick” means a critical moment in old English.
Usage: Used for last-second saves.
33. All the time
Meaning: Very often or continuously.
Example Sentence:
• She listens to music all the time.
• I’m tired because I’ve been working all the time.
Other ways to say: Constantly, always
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in American speech for emphasis.
Usage: Used to describe frequent actions.
34. Bide your time
Meaning: Wait for the right moment.
Example Sentence:
• He’s biding his time before asking for a raise.
• She bided her time before making her move.
Other ways to say: Wait patiently, hold off
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bide” is an old word meaning “to wait.”
Usage: Used for strategic waiting.
35. Save time
Meaning: Do something in a quicker way.
Example Sentence:
• Using a dishwasher saves time.
• We took a shortcut to save time.
Other ways to say: Be efficient, cut time
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in business and home life.
Usage: Used when talking about efficiency.
36. Long time no see
Meaning: It’s been a long time since we last met.
Example Sentence:
• Long time no see! How have you been?
• Wow, long time no see—you’ve changed.
Other ways to say: Haven’t seen you in ages, been a while
Fun Fact/Origin: Became popular in the USA in the early 1900s.
Usage: Used to greet someone after a long absence.
37. Time after time
Meaning: Again and again.
Example Sentence:
• She’s proven herself time after time.
• Time after time, he helps his neighbors.
Other ways to say: Repeatedly, over and over
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in song lyrics and speeches.
Usage: Used for repeated actions.
38. Living on borrowed time
Meaning: Surviving longer than expected.
Example Sentence:
• The old bridge is living on borrowed time.
• After the accident, he felt like he was living on borrowed time.
Other ways to say: Extra time, beyond the limit
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in medicine and safety warnings.
Usage: Used when something is past its expected life.
39. Only a matter of time
Meaning: Something will definitely happen sooner or later.
Example Sentence:
• It’s only a matter of time before they win a championship.
• With his skills, it’s only a matter of time before he gets promoted.
Other ways to say: Bound to happen, inevitable
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in sports and news reports.
Usage: Used when a result is certain.
40. At the right time
Meaning: When it is most suitable.
Example Sentence:
• Ask your question at the right time.
• At the right time, we’ll share the news.
Other ways to say: At the proper moment, when ready
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in advice.
Usage: Used for timing things wisely.
41. Time is of the essence
Meaning: Time is very important for this situation.
Example Sentence:
• In a rescue, time is of the essence.
• Time is of the essence when baking cookies.
Other ways to say: Time matters, act quickly
Fun Fact/Origin: Legal phrase in contracts.
Usage: Used in urgent matters.
42. A matter of time
Meaning: Something will happen soon.
Example Sentence:
• It’s a matter of time before the snow melts.
• It’s just a matter of time until we finish.
Other ways to say: Sooner or later, inevitable
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “only a matter of time” but can mean shorter wait.
Usage: Used when expecting something soon.
43. Have a whale of a time
Meaning: Have a great time.
Example Sentence:
• We had a whale of a time at the carnival.
• They had a whale of a time at the beach.
Other ways to say: Have fun, enjoy yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: “Whale” used here means “large” or “big.”
Usage: Used for exciting, fun experiences.
44. Ahead of the times
Meaning: More advanced than others.
Example Sentence:
• His ideas are ahead of the times.
• The design was ahead of the times.
Other ways to say: Innovative, forward-thinking
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in technology and art.
Usage: Used when someone is very modern for their era.
45. Lost in time
Meaning: Forgotten or not connected to the present.
Example Sentence:
• The old castle seemed lost in time.
• His ideas are lost in time.
Other ways to say: Stuck in the past, forgotten
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used for history or nostalgia.
Usage: Used when something feels very old.
46. Buy time
Meaning: Delay something to get more time.
Example Sentence:
• He asked more questions to buy time.
• The teacher told a story to buy time before the lesson.
Other ways to say: Stall, delay
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in politics and negotiations.
Usage: Used when you want extra time before acting.
47. Crunch time
Meaning: The period right before a deadline when work is intense.
Example Sentence:
• It’s crunch time before finals week.
• We’re in crunch time to finish the project.
Other ways to say: Deadline rush, final push
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in business and sports.
Usage: Used for high-pressure periods.
48. Daylight saving time
Meaning: Adjusting clocks forward or back for seasonal daylight changes.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t forget to change your clock for daylight saving time.
• Daylight saving time starts in March.
Other ways to say: DST, summer time
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in many parts of the USA since World War I.
Usage: Used when discussing clock changes in spring and fall.
49. As time goes by
Meaning: As time passes.
Example Sentence:
• As time goes by, we learn new things.
• Friends change as time goes by.
Other ways to say: Over time, with time
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular song title and phrase in movies.
Usage: Used to talk about changes over time.
50. Time out
Meaning: A break or pause.
Example Sentence:
• Let’s take a time out from studying.
• The coach called a time out during the game.
Other ways to say: Break, pause
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in sports and discipline for kids.
Usage: Used for rest or stopping briefly.
51. Half-time
Meaning: The middle break in a game.
Example Sentence:
• We got snacks during half-time.
• The team regrouped at half-time.
Other ways to say: Mid-game break, intermission
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American football and basketball.
Usage: Used in sports events.
52. Overtime
Meaning: Time added after the regular period.
Example Sentence:
• The game went into overtime.
• He worked overtime to finish the order.
Other ways to say: Extra time, extended time
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in sports and jobs.
Usage: Used when extra time is added.
53. Time-honored
Meaning: Respected because of age or tradition.
Example Sentence:
• The parade is a time-honored tradition.
• Time-honored recipes are passed down in our family.
Other ways to say: Traditional, respected
Fun Fact/Origin: Dates back to the 1700s.
Usage: Used for valued traditions.
54. Just in time
Meaning: At the last moment.
Example Sentence:
• We arrived just in time for the movie.
• She caught the bus just in time.
Other ways to say: Right on time, at the last second
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in shipping and production.
Usage: Used when something happens at the exact needed moment.
55. Old as time
Meaning: Very old.
Example Sentence:
• That story is as old as time.
• The mountains are old as time.
Other ways to say: Ancient, timeless
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in fairy tales.
Usage: Used for things that have been around forever.
56. In due time
Meaning: At the right moment in the future.
Example Sentence:
• You’ll get your turn in due time.
• The truth will come out in due time.
Other ways to say: Eventually, when the time is right
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in formal or patient language.
Usage: Used when something will happen later.
57. Marking time
Meaning: Waiting without making progress.
Example Sentence:
• We were just marking time until the meeting started.
• He felt like he was marking time at his job.
Other ways to say: Waiting around, doing nothing
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from marching in place in the military.
Usage: Used when staying in one spot or situation.
58. Turn back the clock
Meaning: Return to an earlier time.
Example Sentence:
• I wish I could turn back the clock to childhood.
• They tried to turn back the clock with old traditions.
Other ways to say: Go back in time, rewind time
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to setting a clock to an earlier time.
Usage: Used when wishing to relive the past.
Quiz: Idioms About Time Passing
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question. Only one answer is correct.
Question Key
1. If someone says “time flies,” what do they mean?
A) Time moves slowly
B) Time passes quickly
C) Time stops completely
2. “In the blink of an eye” means:
A) Something happens very fast
B) You blinked too much
C) Something takes a long time
3. If workers are “around the clock,” they are:
A) Working 24/7
B) Standing near a clock
C) Resting all day
4. “Beat the clock” means:
A) Finish before the deadline
B) Break a clock
C) Run around a clock
5. If something happens “once in a blue moon,” it:
A) Happens rarely
B) Happens every day
C) Happens on Tuesdays
6. “Make up for lost time” means:
A) Waste more time
B) Catch up after being delayed
C) Forget the time completely
7. “Time stands still” is used when:
A) Time feels frozen in a special moment
B) The clock breaks
C) It’s wintertime
8. If you’re “on borrowed time,” you are:
A) Using someone else’s watch
B) Living longer than expected
C) Taking a time-out
9. “Call it a day” means:
A) Name the day of the week
B) Stop working for the day
C) Take a vacation
10. If you’re “behind the times,” you are:
A) Early for everything
B) Old-fashioned
C) Faster than others
11. The “eleventh hour” means:
A) Exactly 11:00
B) The last possible moment
C) 11 days early
12. To “kill time” means:
A) Break your watch
B) Do something while waiting
C) Stop all clocks
13. “Against the clock” means:
A) Racing to finish before time runs out
B) Standing opposite a clock
C) Breaking a clock
14. “Lose track of time” means:
A) Forget what time it is
B) Write down the time
C) Break your calendar
15. “Time is money” means:
A) Clocks cost a lot
B) Don’t waste time because it’s valuable
C) Money runs out with time
16. If someone says “third time’s the charm,” they mean:
A) You always fail on the third try
B) The third attempt will succeed
C) Try only once
17. “Better late than never” means:
A) It’s better to be on time
B) Being late is better than not doing something at all
C) Being late is bad
18. “Time will tell” means:
A) The future will reveal the answer
B) A talking clock will tell you something
C) Time is a person
19. “In the nick of time” means:
A) Just in time before it’s too late
B) A few hours late
C) At midnight
20. “Bide your time” means:
A) Wait for the right moment
B) Forget the time
C) Waste time
21. “Long time no see” is used when:
A) You just met someone for the first time
B) You haven’t seen someone in a while
C) You see someone every day
22. “Only a matter of time” means:
A) It might happen in a few centuries
B) It will happen sooner or later
C) It will never happen
23. “Buy time” means:
A) Purchase a watch
B) Delay something to get extra time
C) Sell your time
24. “Crunch time” means:
A) Time to eat snacks
B) The final push before a deadline
C) Time for sports practice
25. “Turn back the clock” means:
A) Change the time on a clock
B) Go back to an earlier time in life
C) Make a clock run backwards for fun
Answer Key
- B) Time passes quickly
- A) Something happens very fast
- A) Working 24/7
- A) Finish before the deadline
- A) Happens rarely
- B) Catch up after being delayed
- A) Time feels frozen in a special moment
- B) Living longer than expected
- B) Stop working for the day
- B) Old-fashioned
- B) The last possible moment
- B) Do something while waiting
- A) Racing to finish before time runs out
- A) Forget what time it is
- B) Don’t waste time because it’s valuable
- B) The third attempt will succeed
- B) Being late is better than not doing something at all
- A) The future will reveal the answer
- A) Just in time before it’s too late
- A) Wait for the right moment
- B) You haven’t seen someone in a while
- B) It will happen sooner or later
- B) Delay something to get extra time
- B) The final push before a deadline
- B) Go back to an earlier time in life
Wrapping Up
Idioms about time passing are part of everyday life in the USA. They help people describe how fast or slow moments feel, when to hurry, or when to wait. Knowing these expressions can make conversations more lively and easier to understand. Whether you’re talking about a fun memory or rushing to finish a task, there’s an idiom that fits the moment. Learning them is like adding more colors to your language—it makes your words shine in any situation.
