Idioms are fun and colorful phrases that make our language more interesting and expressive. They don’t always mean exactly what the words say, but they help us communicate in creative ways. For teens, learning idioms can be a great way to improve communication, understand conversations better, and add a little fun to everyday exchanges. These expressions are often used in daily life, making them both useful and enjoyable to learn. Some idioms are directly related to time, and in this article, you’ll discover popular idioms, their meanings, and how you can use them in everyday situations. So let’s dive into the exciting world of time-related idioms!
Idioms for Time
1. Time flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass by very quickly.
In a Sentence: I can’t believe it’s already Friday—time flies when you’re having fun!
Other Ways to Say: Time passes quickly, The days slip away
2. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time, at the last possible moment.
In a Sentence: I managed to submit my project in the nick of time before the deadline closed.
Other Ways to Say: At the last minute, Just barely in time
3. Kill time
Meaning: To pass time in a way that is not particularly interesting or important.
In a Sentence: We played cards to kill time while waiting for the bus.
Other Ways to Say: Pass the time, Waste time
4. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To do something quickly to compensate for time that was wasted or missed.
In a Sentence: Since I missed class yesterday, I had to make up for lost time by studying extra tonight.
Other Ways to Say: Catch up, Compensate for lost time
5. A race against time
Meaning: A situation where there is very little time to complete something.
In a Sentence: It was a race against time to finish the project before the deadline.
Other Ways to Say: Time pressure, Hurry up
6. Time will tell
Meaning: The truth or result of something will be known in the future.
In a Sentence: Whether we’ll succeed or not, time will tell.
Other Ways to Say: Wait and see, Only time will reveal
7. A matter of time
Meaning: Something that is certain to happen but is just a question of when.
In a Sentence: It’s only a matter of time before she wins that award with her dedication and hard work.
Other Ways to Say: Inevitably, Bound to happen
8. Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable, and wasting time is like wasting money.
In a Sentence: I had to leave the meeting early because, as they say, time is money.
Other Ways to Say: Time is precious, Wasting time costs money
9. At the eleventh hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment, just before it is too late.
In a Sentence: He handed in his assignment at the eleventh hour, just before the teacher collected them.
Other Ways to Say: At the last minute, Just in time
10. Take your time
Meaning: To not rush, to do something at your own pace.
In a Sentence: There’s no need to rush through the test; take your time and do your best.
Other Ways to Say: Don’t hurry, Go at your own pace
11. In no time
Meaning: Very quickly, in a short amount of time.
In a Sentence: I finished the homework in no time because it was really easy.
Other Ways to Say: Quickly, Fast
12. Behind the times
Meaning: Outdated, not up to date with current trends or ideas.
In a Sentence: His opinions are so behind the times; he doesn’t know about the latest technology.
Other Ways to Say: Out of date, Old-fashioned
13. Beat the clock
Meaning: To finish something before a deadline or before time runs out.
In a Sentence: I beat the clock by finishing the essay just before the submission deadline.
Other Ways to Say: Finish early, Complete in time
14. Only time will tell
Meaning: We can only wait and see what happens in the future.
In a Sentence: Will this new strategy work? Only time will tell.
Other Ways to Say: Wait and see, The future will reveal
15. Time is on your side
Meaning: You have enough time to complete something or achieve something.
In a Sentence: Don’t worry about the project deadline, time is on your side.
Other Ways to Say: Time is in your favor, You have plenty of time
16. A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Fixing a small problem right away can prevent it from becoming a bigger issue later.
In a Sentence: It’s best to do your homework now—remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
Other Ways to Say: Act early, Prevent problems
17. Time to kill
Meaning: To have extra time with nothing to do.
In a Sentence: I got to the airport early, so I had some time to kill before my flight.
Other Ways to Say: Extra time, Waiting time
18. Time to face the music
Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions.
In a Sentence: After breaking the vase, it was time to face the music and admit what happened.
Other Ways to Say: Take responsibility, Own up
19. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
In a Sentence: I only get to visit my grandparents once in a blue moon, since they live so far away.
Other Ways to Say: Rarely, Once in a while
20. The clock is ticking
Meaning: There is limited time left to complete something.
In a Sentence: The clock is ticking on this project; we need to hurry up and finish it.
Other Ways to Say: Time is running out, Time’s running short
21. Make time for
Meaning: To arrange your schedule to ensure you have time for something important.
In a Sentence: Even though I’m busy, I always make time for my family.
Other Ways to Say: Find time, Set aside time
22. Put on the back burner
Meaning: To delay or postpone something.
In a Sentence: We decided to put the idea of a new website on the back burner for now.
Other Ways to Say: Postpone, Delay
23. Have time on your hands
Meaning: To have nothing to do, having spare time.
In a Sentence: With nothing planned this weekend, I’ve got time on my hands to relax.
Other Ways to Say: Free time, Extra time
24. Time waits for no one
Meaning: Time continues to pass regardless of your situation.
In a Sentence: If you keep procrastinating, you’ll realize that time waits for no one, and the deadline will arrive sooner than you think.
Other Ways to Say: Time moves forward, Time doesn’t stop
25. To pass the time
Meaning: To do something to occupy time, especially when you’re bored.
In a Sentence: We played games to pass the time while waiting for the bus.
Other Ways to Say: Kill time, Keep busy
26. Like clockwork
Meaning: Something that happens regularly or predictably.
In a Sentence: The trains run like clockwork; they are always on time.
Other Ways to Say: Regularly, Predictably
27. In good time
Meaning: At the right or appropriate moment.
In a Sentence: We’ll get everything done in good time, don’t worry about the deadline.
Other Ways to Say: At the right time, When the moment is right
28. Time after time
Meaning: Repeatedly, over and over again.
In a Sentence: She’s been there for me time after time, no matter what happens.
Other Ways to Say: Repeatedly, Over and over
29. Take your time
Meaning: To not rush and to do something carefully at your own pace.
In a Sentence: Don’t worry about being fast, just take your time to finish your homework well.
Other Ways to Say: Go slowly, Don’t hurry
30. From time to time
Meaning: Occasionally, sometimes.
In a Sentence: From time to time, I like to visit my old school and catch up with friends.
Other Ways to Say: Occasionally, Every now and then
31. All in good time
Meaning: At the right moment, eventually.
In a Sentence: Don’t rush it; all in good time, you’ll get the job you want.
Other Ways to Say: In due time, Eventually
32. In the long run
Meaning: Over a long period of time.
In a Sentence: In the long run, studying regularly will help you do well in school.
Other Ways to Say: Over time, Eventually
33. Take a short time
Meaning: To do something in a brief period.
In a Sentence: The meeting didn’t take a short time at all; it lasted over an hour.
Other Ways to Say: Quick, Brief time
34. Right on time
Meaning: Exactly at the expected or scheduled time.
In a Sentence: I made it right on time for the start of the concert.
Other Ways to Say: On schedule, Exactly on time
35. Just in time
Meaning: At the last possible moment, right before it’s too late.
In a Sentence: He arrived just in time to catch the last bus home.
Other Ways to Say: Right at the last moment, Just before the deadline
36. A watched pot never boils
Meaning: Things take longer when you are waiting impatiently.
In a Sentence: Stop staring at the clock; a watched pot never boils.
Other Ways to Say: Time drags when you’re waiting, Patience is needed
37. Time is of the essence
Meaning: Time is critical, and action must be taken quickly.
In a Sentence: We need to act quickly, as time is of the essence in this situation.
Other Ways to Say: Time is crucial, Hurry up
38. The sands of time
Meaning: A metaphor for the passage of time.
In a Sentence: As I look back at the past, I realize how quickly the sands of time have slipped by.
Other Ways to Say: The passing of time, Time passing by
39. Time to hit the road
Meaning: It’s time to leave or start a journey.
In a Sentence: It’s getting late; time to hit the road if we want to reach before dark.
Other Ways to Say: Time to leave, Hit the trail
40. A ticking clock
Meaning: A situation where time is running out or there is urgency.
In a Sentence: With only 10 minutes left, the ticking clock made us all nervous.
Other Ways to Say: Running out of time, Time’s almost up
41. In no time at all
Meaning: Very quickly or almost instantly.
In a Sentence: He fixed the computer in no time at all; it was amazing!
Other Ways to Say: Instantly, Without delay
42. One of these days
Meaning: At an unspecified time in the future.
In a Sentence: One of these days, I’m going to visit Japan.
Other Ways to Say: Eventually, In the future
43. Time and tide wait for no man
Meaning: Time continues regardless of what happens; you can’t control it.
In a Sentence: I missed my chance to join the team, but time and tide wait for no man.
Other Ways to Say: Time moves on, You can’t stop time
44. To pass your time
Meaning: To do something in order to occupy time.
In a Sentence: I read a book to pass my time during the long flight.
Other Ways to Say: Kill time, Occupy time
45. In the fullness of time
Meaning: When the time is right or when enough time has passed.
In a Sentence: In the fullness of time, you’ll understand why I had to make that decision.
Other Ways to Say: Eventually, After some time
46. On the dot
Meaning: Exactly on time, at the exact moment.
In a Sentence: He arrived at the meeting on the dot, right at 9 a.m.
Other Ways to Say: Exactly on time, Punctually
47. Time out
Meaning: A break or pause in an activity, often used in sports or games.
In a Sentence: The coach called a time out to discuss the team’s strategy.
Other Ways to Say: Break, Pause
48. Between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: Being in a difficult situation where no choice is ideal.
In a Sentence: I’m caught between a rock and a hard place with this decision—both options have their downsides.
Other Ways to Say: In a tough spot, In a dilemma
49. Time to shine
Meaning: A moment when someone gets the opportunity to show their talents or abilities.
In a Sentence: The stage is set, and now it’s time to shine—give your best performance!
Other Ways to Say: Moment of glory, Time to show off
50. Time to move on
Meaning: To leave or progress to the next phase or situation.
In a Sentence: After years in the same job, it was time to move on and seek new challenges.
Other Ways to Say: Move forward, Step forward
51. Time well spent
Meaning: Using your time in a productive, enjoyable, or meaningful way.
In a Sentence: Our vacation was time well spent, filled with relaxation and adventure.
Other Ways to Say: Worthwhile, Productive
52. Time to call it a day
Meaning: To stop doing something, typically because the work is finished or it’s time to rest.
In a Sentence: We’ve been working for hours, and it’s time to call it a day.
Other Ways to Say: End the day, Wrap it up
Practical Exercise
Fill in the blanks:
- I finished my homework ________________ and had time to watch TV.
- After hours of preparation, the project was finally ________________.
- I couldn’t believe I made it to the interview ________________.
- The coach told us that ________________ is of the essence, so we need to act fast.
- We’re going to leave soon, but first, ________________ and get everything packed.
- She was so excited for the big presentation—she knew it was her ________________.
- They spent their afternoon ________________ by reading their favorite books.
- We’ve been working for a while now, and it’s ________________—let’s take a break.
- The meeting was short and sweet—everything was finished ________________.
- I hope I get to visit Paris ________________ because it’s been on my bucket list for years.
Answers:
- In no time at all
- A race against time
- Right on time
- Time
- Take time to shine
- Time
- Passing time
- Time to call it a day
- On the dot
- One of these days
Conclusion
Idioms about time are fun and useful, making our language more interesting and vibrant. Whether you’re looking to express how quickly time passes, how urgent a situation is, or when something is sure to happen, these idioms give you a creative way to communicate. Practice using them, and you’ll sound more fluent and natural when speaking and writing.