Time has a way of slipping through our fingers—quietly, quickly, and often without warning. Whether it’s reflecting on childhood memories or watching seasons shift, the passing of time affects us all. Idioms about time are beautiful ways we express these fleeting moments. They’re not just phrases—they carry stories, emotions, and meaning.
In this article, you’ll discover 20 powerful idioms about time passing, each one designed to help you express yourself with more warmth, understanding, and clarity. From everyday conversation to writing with heart, these idioms give language to what we all feel: the ever-moving flow of time.
We’ve kept it easy to read, friendly, and filled with thoughtful examples so you can use these phrases naturally and meaningfully.
Whether you’re writing a letter, journaling your thoughts, or simply having a heartfelt chat—these idioms will give you the right words at the right moment.
What Is an Idiom About Time Passing?
An idiom about time passing is a figurative phrase that describes the movement or experience of time in a creative or symbolic way.
These idioms often express how time feels, how quickly it moves, or how it changes people and situations.
List of Idioms About Time Passing
Here’s a complete list of the 20 idioms we explored:
- Time Flies
- In the Blink of an Eye
- Beat the Clock
- Behind the Times
- Killing Time
- Time Is Money
- A Race Against Time
- Time Waits for No One
- Living on Borrowed Time
- Make Time
- Time Heals All Wounds
- Once in a Blue Moon
- The Eleventh Hour
- A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
- At the Drop of a Hat
- Better Late Than Never
- On Borrowed Time
- Call It a Day
- Ahead of Their Time
- Time Will Tell
1. Time Flies
We often say this when we’re surprised by how quickly time seems to move.
Definition: Time passes very quickly.
In a Sentence: “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Example: A weekend trip with friends felt like just a few hours because everyone was enjoying themselves.
Explanation: This idiom helps express the feeling that joyful moments seem to go by fast.
Other Ways to Say “Time Flies”:
- Time slips away
- Moments vanish
- The clock races
- Time zooms by
- Hours melt away
2. In the Blink of an Eye
This idiom captures how quickly something can happen.
Definition: Something happens so fast it’s almost instant.
In a Sentence: “She grew up in the blink of an eye.”
Example: Parents often feel their children go from babies to adults almost instantly.
Explanation: It helps express how sudden or fast a change or moment is.
Other Ways to Say “In the Blink of an Eye”:
- In a heartbeat
- In no time
- Before you know it
- At lightning speed
- Just like that
3. Beat the Clock
Used when someone finishes something before a deadline.
Definition: To complete a task before time runs out.
In a Sentence: “He managed to beat the clock and submit the report early.”
Example: Finishing an exam minutes before the time limit is an example of beating the clock.
Explanation: It conveys success in managing time wisely and quickly.
Other Ways to Say “Beat the Clock”:
- Finish in time
- Wrap up early
- Make the deadline
- Stay ahead of time
- Get it done fast
4. Behind the Times
This idiom points to someone or something outdated.
Definition: Not keeping up with current trends or ideas.
In a Sentence: “That old phone is really behind the times.”
Example: Using a flip phone today may make someone seem behind the times.
Explanation: It highlights the gap between the present and someone’s understanding or tools.
Other Ways to Say “Behind the Times”:
- Outdated
- Old-fashioned
- Stuck in the past
- Not up to date
- Out of touch
5. Killing Time
Often used when someone is passing time while waiting.
Definition: Doing something to fill time while waiting for something else.
In a Sentence: “I read a magazine to kill time before my appointment.”
Example: Browsing your phone at the airport is a way to kill time before boarding.
Explanation: It suggests doing something that may not be meaningful, just to make time pass.
Other Ways to Say “Killing Time”:
- Passing time
- Filling the gap
- Whiling away the hours
- Keeping busy
- Biding time
6. Time Is Money
This idiom stresses the value of time.
Definition: Time is valuable and should be used efficiently.
In a Sentence: “He didn’t waste a second—time is money after all.”
Example: Entrepreneurs who manage their schedules tightly believe every minute has financial value.
Explanation: It shows that time can be just as important as money in productivity and life.
Other Ways to Say “Time Is Money”:
- Every second counts
- Time is valuable
- Use time wisely
- Don’t waste time
- Time is a resource
7. A Race Against Time
Used when you’re in a hurry to finish something before time runs out.
Definition: Working quickly because there is limited time.
In a Sentence: “It was a race against time to finish the project.”
Example: Doctors trying to save a life after a crash face a race against time.
Explanation: It describes urgency and pressure due to a tight timeline.
Other Ways to Say “A Race Against Time”:
- Time crunch
- Working under pressure
- Last-minute rush
- Time ticking down
- Deadline stress
8. Time Waits for No One
A reminder that time moves forward, no matter what.
Definition: Time keeps moving and doesn’t pause for anyone.
In a Sentence: “You better start—time waits for no one.”
Example: If you delay important actions, you can miss your chance.
Explanation: This idiom teaches us to act while we have the time.
Other Ways to Say “Time Waits for No One”:
- Time marches on
- No time like the present
- Time keeps moving
- Act now
- Don’t delay
9. Living on Borrowed Time
Describes a situation that continues longer than expected.
Definition: Existing or surviving after the expected time.
In a Sentence: “After the accident, he felt like he was living on borrowed time.”
Example: A company expected to fail but still running may be said to live on borrowed time.
Explanation: It reflects a sense of precious, extra time beyond what was assumed.
Other Ways to Say “Living on Borrowed Time”:
- Extended stay
- Lucky to still be here
- Unexpected time
- Precious moments
- Temporary grace
10. Make Time
This idiom talks about prioritizing something important.
Definition: To intentionally set aside time for something.
In a Sentence: “You should make time for your family.”
Example: Turning off your phone to have dinner with loved ones is making time.
Explanation: It shows that no matter how busy, we choose what matters most.
Other Ways to Say “Make Time”:
- Prioritize
- Set aside time
- Carve out time
- Find a moment
- Fit it in
11. Time Heals All Wounds
This idiom offers comfort, especially during emotional pain.
Definition: Emotional pain lessens over time.
In a Sentence: “She was heartbroken, but time heals all wounds.”
Example: After losing a close friend, it took years to smile again—but eventually, healing came.
Explanation: It gently reminds us that pain doesn’t last forever.
Other Ways to Say “Time Heals All Wounds”:
- Pain fades with time
- Healing takes time
- Time softens sorrow
- Wounds close slowly
- The heart mends in time
12. Once in a Blue Moon
This idiom speaks to rare moments in life.
Definition: Something that happens very rarely.
In a Sentence: “We go out for ice cream—once in a blue moon.”
Example: If your best friend lives across the world, you might see them once in a blue moon.
Explanation: It describes rare events that don’t occur often.
Other Ways to Say “Once in a Blue Moon”:
- Hardly ever
- Very rarely
- Every now and then
- Scarcely
- Infrequently
13. The Eleventh Hour
Used when something happens just before the last moment.
Definition: At the last possible moment.
In a Sentence: “He turned in his application at the eleventh hour.”
Example: Studying all night before the exam is an eleventh-hour effort.
Explanation: This idiom reflects urgency and lateness.
Other Ways to Say “The Eleventh Hour”:
- Last minute
- Just in time
- Barely made it
- Narrow window
- Down to the wire
14. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
It encourages early action to prevent bigger problems.
Definition: Fixing a small issue early prevents it from becoming a bigger one.
In a Sentence: “Don’t ignore the leak—a stitch in time saves nine.”
Example: Fixing a small crack in a wall early can prevent a huge repair later.
Explanation: This idiom teaches the value of timely effort.
Other Ways to Say “A Stitch in Time Saves Nine”:
- Fix it early
- Act quickly
- Prevent bigger problems
- Timely fixes matter
- Nip it in the bud
15. At the Drop of a Hat
Describes something happening without hesitation or delay.
Definition: Immediately or without planning.
In a Sentence: “He’ll help you at the drop of a hat.”
Example: If someone cancels their plans just to support you, they do it at the drop of a hat.
Explanation: It shows quick response without needing a reason.
Other Ways to Say “At the Drop of a Hat”:
- Right away
- No questions asked
- In an instant
- Without delay
- Without hesitation
16. Better Late Than Never
This phrase is used when something is done later than expected but still appreciated.
Definition: Doing something late is better than not doing it at all.
In a Sentence: “He finally apologized—better late than never.”
Example: Turning in a birthday card late still shows care.
Explanation: It encourages action, even if delayed.
Other Ways to Say “Better Late Than Never”:
- Late is okay
- Still counts
- It’s never too late
- At least it happened
- Belated is better than forgotten
17. On Borrowed Time
Refers to a situation that may end soon or is not expected to last.
Definition: Living or continuing beyond the expected time.
In a Sentence: “That old car is running on borrowed time.”
Example: A company that avoids bankruptcy for a few more months is on borrowed time.
Explanation: It expresses the fragile nature of certain situations.
Other Ways to Say “On Borrowed Time”:
- Near the end
- Hanging by a thread
- Not for long
- Just barely lasting
- Unexpected extra time
18. Call It a Day
This idiom means deciding to stop working or doing something for now.
Definition: To stop what you’re doing because it’s enough for now.
In a Sentence: “Let’s call it a day and go home.”
Example: After hours of cleaning, you decide you’ve done enough and stop.
Explanation: It helps mark a natural end to an activity.
Other Ways to Say “Call It a Day”:
- Wrap it up
- End the session
- Stop for now
- That’s enough
- Let’s finish here
19. Ahead of Their Time
Used to describe someone who’s ideas or actions are advanced or futuristic.
Definition: Having thoughts or innovations before they’re widely accepted.
In a Sentence: “Her ideas were ahead of their time.”
Example: An artist using digital media in the 80s was ahead of their time.
Explanation: It honors creative, visionary thinking.
Other Ways to Say “Ahead of Their Time”:
- Visionary
- Innovative early
- Futuristic thinker
- Pioneering
- Trailblazing
20. Time Will Tell
This idiom implies the future will reveal the truth or outcome.
Definition: The result will become clear over time.
In a Sentence: “We don’t know if it’ll work—time will tell.”
Example: After starting a new business, only time will tell if it succeeds.
Explanation: It invites patience and trust in the process.
Other Ways to Say “Time Will Tell”:
- Let’s wait and see
- Only time can show
- It’ll unfold soon
- The future knows
- Eventually we’ll know
Final Thoughts
Time touches every part of life. These idioms about time passing help us share our feelings and make sense of fleeting moments. Whether we’re celebrating growth, facing deadlines, or remembering the past, these expressions offer comfort, clarity, and connection.
Use them in your daily conversations, letters, or stories. Let them help you speak from the heart and connect with others in meaningful ways.
FAQs
1. What are idioms about time?
Idioms about time are phrases that express how time moves or affects us, often using vivid or symbolic language.
2. Why are idioms about time useful?
They help us explain emotions, experiences, and moments in ways that are both creative and relatable.
3. Are idioms used in formal writing?
Idioms are more common in casual or creative writing, but can be used in speeches, blogs, or stories to add emotion and depth.
4. Can I make my own idioms about time?
Yes! If they feel natural and expressive, your own phrases can become meaningful to others too.
5. What’s the best idiom for expressing fast time?
“Time flies” is one of the most popular idioms for showing how fast time moves.
Grace Marie is the creator and writer behind Grammer Guru, a platform dedicated to helping people improve their grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a passion for language and a keen eye for detail, Grace provides clear, practical advice on grammar rules, writing techniques, and common linguistic pitfalls.
