English Idioms About Time and Their Meanings

Do you want to expand and enrich your English vocabulary? Would you like to learn more about the idioms that native speakers commonly use in conversation? Below is a collection of interesting English idioms related to time along with their meanings. Refer to the article below to enhance your vocabulary!

I. Collection of English Idioms About Time 

Here is a compilation of English idioms about time with specific examples; be sure to take a look!

1. Time is money

What does "time is money" mean? This English idiom means that "time is valuable." It reminds us that time is limited, and every second and minute is precious. For example:

• Time is money, and I need to finish it as soon as possible. 

• If you want to get a promotion, you need to be more productive. Remember, time is money. 

2. The time is ripe

What does "The time is ripe" mean? The idiom "The time is ripe" means that the opportunity has matured and indicates that the appropriate moment to take action has arrived because the circumstances are favorable. This idiom is used when it is the right time to do something. For example:

• With the new fun available, now is the perfect time to start our own business. The time is ripe for innovation. 

• The market for electric cars is growing rapidly. It's the perfect time to invest. The time is ripe. 

3. Time flies like an arrow

What does "Time flies like an arrow" mean? The idiom "Time flies like an arrow" means that "time passes quickly," often used to describe how swiftly time goes by. For example:

• I can't believe it's already been a year since we last saw each other. Time flies like an arrow! 

• It seems like just yesterday I was starting my first job. Time flies like an arrow. 

4. Better late than never

What does "Better late than never" mean? The idiom "Better late than never" means that "it's better to do something late than not do it at all." You can use this idiom to describe the effort to accomplish something, even if it is past the deadline. For example:

• She finally submitted her project after missing the original deadline. It wasn't perfect, but better late than never. 

• He arrived at the meeting just as it was ending. Everyone was frustrated, but he simply shrugged and said, 'Better late than never.' 

5. Time and tide waits for no man

What does "Time and tide wait for no man" mean? The idiom "Time and tide wait for no man" means that "time does not wait for anyone," serving as a reminder to make the most of the present and to put in our best effort. For example:

• You should start studying for your exams now. Remember, time and tide wait for no man.

• Don't procrastinate on your goals. Time and tide wait for no man, so make the most of every moment. 

6. Time is the great healer

What does "Time is the great healer" mean? The idiom "Time is the great healer" means that "time heals all wounds," suggesting that emotional pain and difficulties tend to lessen or resolve over time.

For example:

• I know you're feeling down right now, but time is the great healer. Things will get better.

• After losing my job, I was really upset. But with time, I was able to move on. Time is truly the great healer. 

7. Every minute seems like a thousand

What does "Every minute seems like a thousand" mean? The idiom "Every minute seems like a thousand" is used to express that "each passing moment feels like an eternity." It conveys the feeling that time moves very slowly, especially when one is waiting. For example:

• Waiting for my boyfriend to return, every minute seemed like a thousand. 

• Being stuck in traffic during rush hour was torture. Every minute seemed like a thousand. 

8. Against the clock

Next, let's explore another English idiom related to time: "Against the clock." What does it mean? The idiom "Against the clock" means "to race against time," describing the act of trying to accomplish something within a short timeframe. For example:

• The firefighters were working against the clock to rescue the people trapped in the burning building. 

• I'm trying to finish this report before the deadline, but I'm really working against the clock. 

9. Slow and steady wins the race

What does "Slow and steady wins the race" mean? The idiom "Slow and steady wins the race" means "slow but sure," suggesting that sometimes perseverance and diligence, even if progress is slow, will ultimately lead to successful results. For example:

• Don't rush through your work. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. 

• She started her business slowly but surely, and now she's very successful. It just goes to show that slow and steady wins the race. 

10. Turn back the hands of time

What does "Turn back the hands of time" mean? The idiom "Turn back the hands of time" means "to go back in time" or "to return to the past." For example:

• I wish I could turn back the hands of time and do things differently. 

• No matter how hard you try, you can't turn back the hands of time. 

11. Behind the times

Next, let's explore the English idiom related to time: "Behind the times." What does it mean? The idiom "Behind the times" means "outdated" or "obsolete," referring to someone or something that is not keeping up with current trends or advancements. For example:

• My grandmother's cooking methods are a bit behind the times. 

• That technology is so behind the times. We need to upgrade our systems. 

12. Time is the rider that breaks youth

What does "Time is the rider that breaks youth" mean? The idiom "Time is the rider that breaks youth" means "time destroys youth." This idiom conveys the idea that time causes people to age and ultimately brings an end to the glorious period of youth. For example:

• As I look back at old photos, I can't believe how young I used to be. Time is truly the rider that breaks youth. 

• Wrinkles and gray hair are a reminder that time is the rider that breaks youth. 

13. Let bygones be bygones

What does "Let bygones be bygones" mean? The idiom "Let bygones be bygones" means "to forget the past" or "to leave old disagreements or issues behind." It suggests that one should not dwell on past grievances and allow them to remain in the past. For example:

• We had a big argument last week, but I think we should just let bygones be bygones and move on. 

• It's time to let bygones be bygones and forgive her for what she did. 

14. Time after time

What does "Time after time" mean? The idiom "Time after time" means "repeatedly" or "over and over again." It conveys the idea that something happens many times or consistently. For example:

• I've told him time after time not to touch my things. 

• Time after time, she proves herself to be a reliable friend. 

15. Change with/ keep up with/ move with the time

What do "Change with," "keep up with," and "move with the times" mean? These idioms refer to "keeping up with new trends" or "adapting one’s attitudes and behaviors to fit current practices and circumstances." They emphasize the importance of staying relevant and adjusting to the evolving times. For example:

• It's important to keep up with the latest trends in technology. 

• She's always been able to move with the times and adapt to new situations. 

16. Once in a blue moon

Next, let's explore the idiom "Once in a blue moon." What does it mean? The idiom "Once in a blue moon" means "very rarely" or "not frequently." It conveys the idea that something happens infrequently. For example:

• I see my cousins once in a blue moon. 

• It's a once in a blue moon opportunity to see this band live. 

17. More often than not

The next idiom PREP introduces is "More often than not." What does it mean? The idiom "More often than not" means "frequently" or "usually." It indicates that something occurs regularly or on most occasions. For example:

• More often than not, she's late for work. 

• More often than not, the weather is sunny in the summer. 

18. As a rule

What does "As a rule" mean? The idiom "As a rule" means "usually" or "generally." It is used to indicate that something is true in most cases. For example:

• As a rule, I don't eat meat. 

• As a rule, the store closes at 9 PM. 

19. Donkey’s years

Next, let's explore the idiom "Donkey's years." What does it mean? The idiom "Donkey's years" refers to "a very long time." It is used to indicate that a significant amount of time has passed. For example:

• I haven't seen her in donkey's years. 

• It's been donkey's years since I last visited my hometown. 

20. Be in something for the long haul

Lastly, let's explore the idiom "Be in something for the long haul." What does it mean? The idiom "Be in something for the long haul" means "to commit to something for an extended period of time." It indicates a dedication to a goal or project over the long term. For example:

• We're in this project for the long haul. We're committed to seeing it through to the end.

• If you want to succeed in this business, you need to be in it for the long haul. 

II. Practice with English Idioms Related to Time

Let’s review some exercises below to solidify your understanding and usage of the English idioms about time mentioned earlier!

Exercise: Choose the appropriate time idiom to complete the following sentences:

1. We've been waiting for the right moment to invest in this new project. Now that the market is improving, ________.

2. Don't worry about being late. ________.

3. I can't believe how quickly this summer has gone by. ________.

4. After the breakup, she felt heartbroken, but she knew ________.

5. He's always rushing to finish his work. He's always ________.

Answer key:

1. The time is ripe 

2. Better late than never 

3. Time flies like an arrow 

4. Time is the great healer

5. Against the clock

These idioms are among the most commonly used English expressions related to time, helping you communicate more naturally like a native speaker. Be sure to use these idioms appropriately in various situations to enhance your conversational skills and achieve better results in your exams!