Time is more than just minutes ticking by — it’s how we live, love, wait, and remember. Whether we’re killing time between errands or racing against the clock, the way we talk about time often says more than just the hour. That’s why idioms for time are so valuable.
They help us capture a feeling, paint a memory, or express urgency without sounding flat. These phrases offer color and depth to our communication, especially when we want to sound more thoughtful or emotionally aware.
If you’ve ever wished you had a warmer or more natural way to talk about time, these idioms are for you. You’ll find expressions that make your words sound more relatable, more gentle, and even more charming.
Whether you’re writing a message to a loved one or simply trying to phrase things better at work, these 20 idioms for time will guide you. They’re designed to help you sound more empathetic, more human, and yes — more timely.
What is an Idiom for Time?
An idiom for time is a phrase that uses figurative language to talk about time in a non-literal way. Here are a few common ones:
- “Beat the clock” – To finish something before time runs out.
Example: We managed to beat the clock and submit the report just in time. - “In the nick of time” – Just before it’s too late.
Example: She caught the train in the nick of time. - “Time flies” – Time passes very quickly.
Example: Time flies when you’re having fun! - “Around the clock” – All day and all night without stopping.
Example: The hospital staff works around the clock. - “Kill time” – To do something to make time pass while waiting.
Example: We played cards to kill time before the movie started.
List of Idioms for Time
- Beat the Clock
- Time Flies
- Around the Clock
- In the Nick of Time
- Behind the Times
- Time Will Tell
- Killing Time
- Time is Money
- Against the Clock
- Call It a Day
- Bide Your Time
- Once in a Blue Moon
- Time of Your Life
- On the Dot
- Time and Again
- Make Time
- Time’s Up
- Behind Schedule
- On Borrowed Time
- Crunch Time
1. Beat the Clock
Used when you manage to do something before a deadline or time limit.
Definition: To complete a task before time runs out.
In a sentence: “I turned in my assignment just in time and beat the clock.”
Example: A student finishes an exam five minutes before the bell rings — that’s beating the clock.
Explanation: This idiom shows a sense of urgency and accomplishment, often paired with relief.
Other Ways to Say Beat the Clock:
- Finish just in time
- Make the deadline
- Wrap it up quickly
- Complete under pressure
- Slide in under the wire
2. Time Flies
Describes how quickly time seems to pass, especially when you’re busy or enjoying yourself.
Definition: Time seems to move faster than expected.
In a sentence: “I didn’t realize it was already 5 PM — time flies when you’re having fun.”
Example: You meet a friend for lunch and suddenly three hours have passed.
Explanation: This idiom reflects surprise at how quickly moments slip by when life feels full or joyful.
Other Ways to Say Time Flies:
- The hours vanished
- Time slipped away
- Lost track of time
- The day flew by
- Time rushed past
3. Around the Clock
Used when something happens all day and night without stopping.
Definition: Continuously for 24 hours.
In a sentence: “The hospital staff worked around the clock to care for patients.”
Example: A team works day and night to meet a project deadline.
Explanation: This idiom shows dedication, urgency, or nonstop activity.
Other Ways to Say Around the Clock:
- 24/7
- Nonstop
- All day and night
- Day and night shift
- Constantly working
4. In the Nick of Time
Used when something happens just before it’s too late.
Definition: At the last possible moment.
In a sentence: “She caught the train in the nick of time.”
Example: You submit an online form seconds before the deadline.
Explanation: This idiom brings a sense of urgency and luck.
Other Ways to Say In the Nick of Time:
- Just in time
- Barely made it
- By a hair
- At the last second
- With seconds to spare
5. Behind the Times
Describes someone or something that’s outdated.
Definition: Not modern or up-to-date.
In a sentence: “His fashion sense is really behind the times.”
Example: Someone still using a flip phone in the age of smartphones.
Explanation: This idiom is often used with gentle criticism or humor.
Other Ways to Say Behind the Times:
- Outdated
- Old-fashioned
- Stuck in the past
- Not current
- Out of touch
6. Time Will Tell
Means only the future can show the result.
Definition: We’ll know the outcome later.
In a sentence: “Only time will tell if this was the right decision.”
Example: You take a new job, unsure if it will be a good fit.
Explanation: This idiom encourages patience and trust in the future.
Other Ways to Say Time Will Tell:
- Let’s wait and see
- The future will reveal
- Time reveals all
- It’ll become clear
- Patience will show results
7. Killing Time
Used when doing something just to pass the time.
Definition: To do something unimportant while waiting.
In a sentence: “I was killing time at the coffee shop before my appointment.”
Example: Browsing your phone while waiting for a friend.
Explanation: This idiom often means you’re waiting without pressure.
Other Ways to Say Killing Time:
- Passing the time
- Filling the gap
- Waiting it out
- Wasting time
- Keeping busy
8. Time Is Money
Highlights the value of time in business or productivity.
Definition: Time is a resource that shouldn’t be wasted.
In a sentence: “Let’s move quickly — time is money.”
Example: A contractor charges by the hour, so every minute counts.
Explanation: This idiom stresses efficiency and importance of time.
Other Ways to Say Time Is Money:
- Don’t waste time
- Time is valuable
- Every second counts
- Make it worth it
- Use your time wisely
9. Against the Clock
Used when someone is doing something quickly before a deadline.
Definition: To race to finish something before time runs out.
In a sentence: “We were working against the clock to get the report done.”
Example: A student writing an essay with just an hour left before it’s due.
Explanation: This idiom shows urgency, stress, or the pressure of time running out.
Other Ways to Say Against the Clock:
- In a time crunch
- On a tight deadline
- Racing time
- Running short on time
- Pushing to finish
10. Call It a Day
Means to stop working for the day or to end an activity.
Definition: To finish work or wrap up a task for now.
In a sentence: “We’ve done enough for today — let’s call it a day.”
Example: After hours of cleaning, someone suggests taking a break and relaxing.
Explanation: This idiom signals closure, rest, or a pause in effort.
Other Ways to Say Call It a Day:
- Wrap it up
- Clock out
- End the shift
- Stop for now
- Finish up
11. Bide Your Time
Used when someone waits patiently for the right moment.
Definition: To wait calmly and strategically for the right opportunity.
In a sentence: “She’s biding her time until the perfect job opens up.”
Example: Someone waits quietly before speaking up in a meeting.
Explanation: This idiom expresses patience, timing, and strategy.
Other Ways to Say Bide Your Time:
- Wait it out
- Hold back
- Sit tight
- Be patient
- Watch and wait
12. Once in a Blue Moon
Describes something that happens very rarely.
Definition: Something that almost never happens.
In a sentence: “He visits his hometown once in a blue moon.”
Example: Seeing a celebrity at the grocery store in a small town.
Explanation: This idiom adds a sense of rarity and surprise.
Other Ways to Say Once in a Blue Moon:
- Hardly ever
- Rarely
- Every now and then
- Seldom
- Almost never
13. Time of Your Life
Used to describe a very enjoyable experience.
Definition: A moment or period filled with joy and excitement.
In a sentence: “She had the time of her life at the concert.”
Example: Laughing with friends at a celebration.
Explanation: This idiom reflects happiness, fun, and lasting memories.
Other Ways to Say Time of Your Life:
- Best moment ever
- Memorable time
- Had a blast
- Wonderful experience
- Great fun
14. On the Dot
Used to describe something happening exactly at the scheduled time.
Definition: Precisely at the stated time.
In a sentence: “The meeting started on the dot at 9 AM.”
Example: A bus arriving at exactly 7:00 AM.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes punctuality and precision.
Other Ways to Say On the Dot:
- Right on time
- Precisely at
- Sharp
- To the minute
- Timed perfectly
15. Time and Again
Describes something that happens repeatedly.
Definition: Over and over again.
In a sentence: “He warned them time and again, but they didn’t listen.”
Example: A teacher reminding students about classroom rules regularly.
Explanation: This idiom shows repetition and sometimes frustration.
Other Ways to Say Time and Again:
- Over and over
- Repeatedly
- Again and again
- Many times
- Frequently
16. Make Time
Used when someone creates space in their schedule for something important.
Definition: To find time for someone or something by adjusting priorities.
In a sentence: “Even with his busy schedule, he always makes time for family.”
Example: A busy parent spends 30 minutes reading to their child before bed.
Explanation: This idiom reflects intentionality, care, and prioritizing.
Other Ways to Say Make Time:
- Set aside time
- Schedule in
- Carve out time
- Fit it in
- Give time to
17. Time’s Up
Used to say the allotted time is over.
Definition: The limit for doing something has ended.
In a sentence: “Time’s up — pens down!”
Example: An exam proctor tells students to stop writing.
Explanation: This idiom signals a hard stop or finality.
Other Ways to Say Time’s Up:
- Time has run out
- That’s it
- End of time
- No more time left
- The clock ran out
18. Behind Schedule
Used when something is running late.
Definition: Not keeping up with the expected timeline.
In a sentence: “We’re behind schedule and need to speed up.”
Example: A construction project finishes two weeks late.
Explanation: This idiom implies delay, urgency, or the need to catch up.
Other Ways to Say Behind Schedule:
- Running late
- Off track
- Slowed down
- Delayed
- Not on time
19. On Borrowed Time
Used when someone is living or operating past an expected deadline or lifespan.
Definition: Existing or continuing beyond what’s normally expected.
In a sentence: “The old computer is running on borrowed time.”
Example: An older people pet still going strong after health issues.
Explanation: This idiom suggests fragility, grace, or limited moments left.
Other Ways to Say On Borrowed Time:
- Near the end
- Not much time left
- Hanging on
- Living extra moments
- Past the limit
20. Crunch Time
Describes a period of intense pressure before a deadline.
Definition: A short, high-pressure period when you must work fast.
In a sentence: “It’s crunch time — the launch is tomorrow.”
Example: A team scrambles to finalize a product the night before release.
Explanation: This idiom reflects stress, focus, and last-minute action.
Other Ways to Say Crunch Time:
- High-pressure moment
- Final stretch
- The rush
- Deadline pressure
- Last push
Final Thoughts
Time is a part of everything we do — how we connect, how we grow, and how we reflect. Using idioms helps us speak about time in ways that are more emotional, memorable, and real.
These expressions aren’t just about marking the hour; they help us mark life’s moments. The next time you want to sound more sincere or descriptive, reach for one of these idioms. You’ll be surprised how far the right words can take you.
FAQs
1. What are idioms for time used for?
They’re used to express how we feel about time, delays, schedules, and life’s moments more naturally.
2. Are time idioms formal or informal?
Most are informal but widely accepted in everyday speech and casual writing.
3. Can idioms help me sound more expressive?
Yes — idioms add depth, tone, and warmth to your communication.
4. Is “Time Flies” a positive or negative idiom?
It depends on context — it can be both nostalgic or joyful.
5. How do I choose the right idiom for a message?
Think about the mood and the moment. Choose one that fits the feeling you want to express.
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.
