Time is one of the most universal human experiences, and languages across the world are filled with expressions about how it moves. In English, idioms about time passing are often used to describe moments, memories, or how quickly (or slowly) life seems to go by.
Idioms are colorful phrases that don’t always mean exactly what the words say, but instead carry a deeper or figurative meaning. Learning these idioms makes your English richer, more natural, and more expressive.
Whether you are talking about childhood memories, waiting for something, or reflecting on how fast the years fly, idioms about time can help you express yourself more clearly.
They also make conversations more engaging and allow you to connect with native speakers on a cultural level. Let’s explore some of the most common idioms related to time passing, their meanings, and how you can use them in everyday life.
Did You Know?
The English phrase “time flies” comes from the Latin proverb tempus fugit, first recorded in the works of the Roman poet Virgil. It shows that even thousands of years ago, people felt the same way we do today: that time slips away quickly!
Idioms About How Fast Time Passes
Time Flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly.
Example: “The holidays are already over? Wow, time flies!”
Similar Idiom: “In the blink of an eye”
Note: Used casually in daily conversations, especially when surprised at how quickly events end.
In the Blink of an Eye
Meaning: Something happens very quickly or time passes suddenly.
Example: “The children grew up in the blink of an eye.”
Similar Idiom: “Time flies”
Note: Often used sentimentally when talking about life changes.
Gone in a Flash
Meaning: Something disappears or finishes very quickly.
Example: “The weekend was gone in a flash.”
Similar Idiom: “Over before you know it”
Note: Informal, often used for short-lived events.
Over Before You Know It
Meaning: Something ends much sooner than expected.
Example: “The vacation was over before you know it.”
Similar Idiom: “Gone in a flash”
Note: Very common in both casual talk and writing.
Fleeting Moment
Meaning: A short period of time that doesn’t last.
Example: “It was a fleeting moment of happiness.”
Similar Idiom: “Short-lived”
Note: More poetic, often used in writing or formal speech.
A Split Second
Meaning: A very brief moment of time.
Example: “He made the decision in a split second.”
Similar Idiom: “In an instant”
Note: Neutral, often used in both formal and casual settings.
Just Like That
Meaning: Something happens suddenly or time moves quickly.
Example: “And just like that, summer was gone.”
Similar Idiom: “All of a sudden”
Note: Informal and conversational.
Idioms About Waiting and Slowness of Time
Killing Time
Meaning: Doing something to pass the time while waiting.
Example: “We were killing time at the café before the movie started.”
Similar Idiom: “Pass the time”
Note: Common in casual talk.
Pass the Time
Meaning: To occupy yourself while waiting.
Example: “I read books to pass the time on long flights.”
Similar Idiom: “Kill time”
Note: Neutral tone, widely used.
Drag On
Meaning: Time seems to move very slowly.
Example: “The lecture dragged on for hours.”
Similar Idiom: “Seem endless”
Note: Often used negatively when bored.
At a Snail’s Pace
Meaning: Very slowly.
Example: “The traffic was moving at a snail’s pace.”
Similar Idiom: “Slow as molasses”
Note: Informal and descriptive.
Waiting in the Wings
Meaning: Waiting for the right moment to take action.
Example: “She’s been waiting in the wings for a promotion.”
Similar Idiom: “Bide one’s time”
Note: More formal, often used in work or life situations.
Take Your Time
Meaning: Do not hurry.
Example: “Take your time with the project; there’s no rush.”
Similar Idiom: “No need to rush”
Note: Friendly and polite.
Stretch Out
Meaning: Something feels longer than expected.
Example: “The days stretched out endlessly during the lockdown.”
Similar Idiom: “Drag on”
Note: Often used in storytelling.
Idioms About Memories and the Past
Once Upon a Time
Meaning: Refers to a long time ago, often in stories.
Example: “Once upon a time, this was a small village.”
Similar Idiom: “Back in the day”
Note: Formal or storytelling contexts.
Back in the Day
Meaning: Refers to the past, often nostalgically.
Example: “Back in the day, we didn’t have smartphones.”
Similar Idiom: “In those days”
Note: Informal, nostalgic.
A Blast from the Past
Meaning: Something that reminds you of earlier times.
Example: “That song is a real blast from the past!”
Similar Idiom: “Trip down memory lane”
Note: Casual, often used about music, movies, or trends.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Meaning: Remembering happy times from the past.
Example: “Looking at old photos is always a trip down memory lane.”
Similar Idiom: “Blast from the past”
Note: Sentimental and nostalgic.
Water Under the Bridge
Meaning: Past events that are forgiven or forgotten.
Example: “Don’t worry about our old argument—it’s water under the bridge now.”
Similar Idiom: “Let bygones be bygones”
Note: Often used to show maturity and forgiveness.
In the Nick of Time
Meaning: At the last possible moment.
Example: “He caught the train in the nick of time.”
Similar Idiom: “Just in time”
Note: Common in daily conversations.
Long Time No See
Meaning: It has been a long time since meeting someone.
Example: “Hey! Long time no see.”
Similar Idiom: “It’s been ages”
Note: Very casual greeting.
From Time to Time
Meaning: Occasionally.
Example: “We meet for coffee from time to time.”
Similar Idiom: “Now and then”
Note: Neutral, good for both formal and casual contexts.
Idioms About Life and Time in General
Beat the Clock
Meaning: Finish something before the deadline.
Example: “We managed to beat the clock and submit the report.”
Similar Idiom: “Race against time”
Note: Common in work or academic settings.
Race Against Time
Meaning: Working very fast because of limited time.
Example: “Doctors were in a race against time to save the patient.”
Similar Idiom: “Beat the clock”
Note: More intense, often used in serious situations.
Ahead of Time
Meaning: Before the scheduled time.
Example: “She arrived ahead of time for the meeting.”
Similar Idiom: “Early”
Note: Common in professional settings.
Time Is Money
Meaning: Time is valuable, so don’t waste it.
Example: “Let’s get started—time is money.”
Similar Idiom: “Every second counts”
Note: Mostly used in business contexts.
All in Good Time
Meaning: Things will happen when the time is right.
Example: “You’ll understand all in good time.”
Similar Idiom: “Patience is key”
Note: Encouraging and patient tone.
Better Late Than Never
Meaning: Doing something late is better than not doing it at all.
Example: “He finally apologized—better late than never.”
Similar Idiom: “Late is better than never”
Note: Casual and common.
Against the Clock
Meaning: Working quickly to finish before a deadline.
Example: “We’re working against the clock to prepare the event.”
Similar Idiom: “Race against time”
Note: Common in formal and informal use.
Make Up for Lost Time
Meaning: Do something quickly because you were delayed before.
Example: “She studied extra hours to make up for lost time.”
Similar Idiom: “Catch up”
Note: Common in both daily and professional life.
Around the Clock
Meaning: All the time, without stopping.
Example: “The nurses worked around the clock.”
Similar Idiom: “Day and night”
Note: Formal and casual.
Borrowed Time
Meaning: Living with limited time left.
Example: “After the illness, he felt like he was on borrowed time.”
Similar Idiom: “Living on borrowed time”
Note: Serious tone, often used about health or danger.
Out of Time
Meaning: Having no time left.
Example: “We’re out of time for this exam section.”
Similar Idiom: “No time left”
Note: Neutral, widely used.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- Speaking: Use idioms to make conversations more natural. For example, instead of saying “I was bored,” say “The meeting dragged on.”
- Writing: Idioms make stories, essays, or articles more engaging. “The summer was gone in a flash” sounds more expressive than simply saying “Summer ended quickly.”
- Professional Use: In workplaces, idioms like “beat the clock” or “ahead of time” show fluency and confidence.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Wrong Context:
❌ “Time flies in the traffic jam.”
✅ “Time drags in the traffic jam.” - Overuse:
❌ Using “time flies” in every situation.
✅ Vary idioms: sometimes say “gone in a flash” or “in the blink of an eye.” - Literal Understanding:
❌ Thinking “kill time” means hurting time.
✅ It simply means spending time while waiting.
FAQs
1. Why should I learn idioms about time?
Because they help you sound more natural and fluent in English. They also express feelings about time more clearly.
2. Are idioms formal or informal?
Some idioms are casual (like “long time no see”), while others can be used in professional contexts (like “ahead of time”).
3. How many idioms about time exist in English?
There are hundreds! Here, we covered 39 common ones that you will hear in daily life.
4. Can I use idioms in business emails?
Yes, but choose carefully. For example, “beat the clock” is fine, but “kill time” may sound too casual.
5. How can I practice idioms?
Try using one or two idioms in daily conversations. Write short sentences with them, or watch movies to hear how native speakers use them.
Conclusion
Time touches every part of our lives, and English idioms about time passing show just how deeply we feel its movement. From moments that vanish “in the blink of an eye” to long days that “drag on,” these expressions give life to our experiences.
Learning them not only improves your English but also helps you express emotions, stories, and experiences in a more vivid way.
So the next time you’re speaking or writing, remember these idioms—and you’ll never run out of creative ways to talk about time.
