Time idioms are common expressions used in everyday English to describe urgency, value, difficulty, and the passage of time. Understanding these idioms helps make speech and writing more natural and expressive.
Time Idioms
Speed and Urgency
- In the nick of time: just before it is too late
I arrived at the station in the nick of time.
- Against the clock: working with very little time
The team worked against the clock to meet the deadline.
- Time flies: time passes very quickly
Time flies when you’re busy.
Wasting or Using Time Poorly
- Kill time: do something unimportant while waiting
We played games to kill time before the train arrived.
- Time is money: time is valuable and should not be wasted
Let’s start the meeting now—time is money.
The Passage of Time
- As time goes by: as time passes
As time goes by, people’s opinions may change.
- Time marches on: time continues forward regardless of events
We must adapt, because time marches on.
- Once in a blue moon: something happens very rarely
He visits his hometown once in a blue moon.
Difficulty or Trouble
- A devil of a time: a very difficult experience
He had a devil of a time fixing the engine.
- Have a time of it: experience trouble or difficulty
She had a time of it finishing the task alone.
Additional Common Time Idioms
- Around the clock: all day and night
The nurses worked around the clock.
- For the time being: temporarily, for now
Let’s leave it like this for the time being.
- Lose track of time: forget how much time has passed
I lost track of time while reading.
- Bad time: an inconvenient moment
This is a bad time to discuss the issue.
- Time to hit the road: time to leave
It’s getting late; time to hit the road.
Last Updated on January 21, 2026
