Idioms are fun word phrases that mean something different than the actual words say. People use them to make their speaking and writing more colorful and interesting. In this article, you will learn fifty unique idioms related to time passing, hours flying by, and getting older.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean time moving fast, waiting patiently, and growing older. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Time Passing
1. Time flies
Definition: Used to say that time seems to pass by very quickly when you are having fun.
Used in a Sentence: We played board games all afternoon and did not notice that time flies. / Summer vacation ended so fast because time flies when you are happy.
Similar Expressions: Hours slip away / Time moves fast
2. Time heals all wounds
Definition: The feeling that sadness or pain gets better as days and months go by.
Used in a Sentence: Losing the big soccer match hurt today, but remember that time heals all wounds. / She felt better about moving to a new school because time heals all wounds.
Similar Expressions: Pain fades with time / Recovery happens gradually
3. Around the clock
Definition: Happening continuously twenty-four hours a day without stopping.
Used in a Sentence: The hospital emergency room stays open around the clock to help people. / The construction workers labored around the clock to finish the new bridge.
Similar Expressions: Day and night / Twenty-four hours
4. Beat the clock
Definition: To finish a task successfully before a specific time limit expires.
Used in a Sentence: We tried to pack our picnic baskets and beat the clock before the rain started. / He worked as fast as he could to beat the clock on his test.
Similar Expressions: Finish on time / Beat the deadline
5. In the nick of time
Definition: Happening at the very last possible second before it is too late.
Used in a Sentence: I handed in my science report in the nick of time before the bell rang. / The fire truck arrived in the nick of time to save the tree.
Similar Expressions: Just in time / Barely on time
6. Behind the times
Definition: Being outdated or old-fashioned in your ideas, clothes, or technology.
Used in a Sentence: My grandfather still uses a flip phone and jokes that he is behind the times. / Wearing oversized neon sunglasses is definitely behind the times now.
Similar Expressions: Old fashioned / Out of style
7. Ahead of your time
Definition: Having smart or creative ideas long before other people understand them.
Used in a Sentence: The inventor created a digital drawing tool years ago, proving he was ahead of his time. / Her science project concepts were so advanced she felt ahead of her time.
Similar Expressions: Futuristic thinker / Advanced ideas
8. Turn back the hands of time
Definition: To wish you could reverse past years to change something or relive a memory.
Used in a Sentence: I wish I could turn back the hands of time and study harder for that math quiz. / If only we could turn back the hands of time to last summer vacation.
Similar Expressions: Reverse years / Go back in time
9. A race against time
Definition: A frantic situation where you must work very fast because minutes are running out.
Used in a Sentence: Cleaning the whole kitchen before my parents arrived was a real race against time. / The rescue crew faced a race against time before sunset.
Similar Expressions: Rushing the clock / Fast race
10. Time stands still
Definition: A feeling that moments are lasting forever because something is boring or dramatic.
Used in a Sentence: While waiting for the dentist to call my name, it felt like time stands still. / During the final seconds of the tied game, time stands still.
Similar Expressions: Moments freeze / Time pauses
11. Once in a blue moon
Definition: An event that happens very rarely or almost never over long periods.
Used in a Sentence: My family eats dessert before dinner, but we only do it once in a blue moon. / Snow falls in our hometown only once in a blue moon.
Similar Expressions: Very rarely / Seldom ever
12. For the time being
Definition: Temporary plans or conditions that apply right now until things change.
Used in a Sentence: I will use this old blue backpack for the time being until my new one arrives. / We are staying at my aunt house for the time being.
Similar Expressions: For now / Temporarily true
13. Take your time
Definition: To proceed slowly and carefully without rushing through an activity.
Used in a Sentence: There is no rush to finish your painting, so please take your time. / Take your time tying your shoelaces so they do not come undone.
Similar Expressions: Do not rush / Go slowly
14. Kill time
Definition: To pass hours doing unimportant activities while waiting for something else.
Used in a Sentence: We played card games in the waiting room to kill time before our appointment. / He read comic books to kill time before soccer practice started.
Similar Expressions: Pass the hours / Wait around
15. Time is a healer
Definition: The belief that emotional hurts get better as months and years go by.
Used in a Sentence: Losing our family pet made us sad, but we know time is a healer. / Do not worry, even though you feel embarrassed now, time is a healer.
Similar Expressions: Grief fades / Sorrow heals
16. A whale of a time
Definition: To experience an extraordinarily fun and enjoyable period of hours.
Used in a Sentence: We had a whale of a time riding the roller coasters at the amusement park. / The kids had a whale of a time building sandcastles at the beach.
Similar Expressions: Great time / Wonderful fun
17. Time on your hands
Definition: Having plenty of free hours with nothing specific scheduled to do.
Used in a Sentence: During summer break, it is nice to have some time on your hands to relax. / If you have time on your hands, you can help me organize the books.
Similar Expressions: Free time / Spare hours
18. Big time
Definition: To do something with massive success, scale, or intensity.
Used in a Sentence: Our school basketball team won the championship big time on Friday night. / I messed up my science presentation big time when I dropped my notes.
Similar Expressions: In a huge way / Extremely much
19. Stand the test of time
Definition: To remain strong, useful, or popular over many years of history.
Used in a Sentence: Classic fairy tales like Cinderella have managed to stand the test of time. / Those leather hiking boots are built to stand the test of time.
Similar Expressions: Last forever / Endure through history
20. In the long run
Definition: Looking far ahead into the future to see how actions pay off later.
Used in a Sentence: Studying hard every evening will help your grades improve in the long run. / Eating vegetables tastes good today and helps you in the long run.
Similar Expressions: Eventually / Ultimately over time
21. From time to time
Definition: Happening occasionally on an irregular schedule without a strict pattern.
Used in a Sentence: I like to bake chocolate chip cookies with my grandmother from time to time. / We visit our cousins who live out of state from time to time.
Similar Expressions: Occasionally / Once in a while
22. Crunch time
Definition: The final, high-pressure period right before a major deadline arrives.
Used in a Sentence: It is crunch time for our history project since it is due tomorrow morning. / The team entered crunch time during the final week of training.
Similar Expressions: High pressure / Final hours
23. Time heals all wounds
Definition: Painful feelings of loss or disappointment lessen as months pass.
Used in a Sentence: Losing my favorite toy made me cry, but time heals all wounds. / She comforted her sad friend by reminding her that time heals all wounds.
Similar Expressions: Sorrow passes / Wounds mend
24. Living on borrowed time
Definition: Continuing to exist or function past the normal expected endpoint.
Used in a Sentence: That rattling old bicycle in our garage has been living on borrowed time for years. / The flickering desk lamp is living on borrowed time.
Similar Expressions: Extra time / Worn out
25. High time
Definition: When an action should have been done much earlier and must happen now.
Used in a Sentence: It is high time you cleaned up your messy bedroom floor. / It is high time we started studying for the final exams.
Similar Expressions: Long overdue / About time
26. Time after time
Definition: Repeating the exact same action or event over and over again.
Used in a Sentence: I reminded him time after time to put his shoes in the closet. / Time after time, our dog escapes through the open garden gate.
Similar Expressions: Repeatedly / Over and over
27. On borrowed time
Definition: Enjoying extra days or weeks because of a lucky break from an ending.
Used in a Sentence: When the storm missed our town, we felt like we were on borrowed time. / The broken smartphone screen worked for a month on borrowed time.
Similar Expressions: Extra moments / Lucky extension
28. Time frames
Definition: The scheduled boundaries or limits of when tasks must be completed.
Used in a Sentence: Our teacher gave us strict time frames for finishing the art collage. / We need to adjust our time frames if we want to build the model house.
Similar Expressions: Schedule limits / Time periods
29. Ahead of his time
Definition: Having brilliant thoughts years before society is ready for them.
Used in a Sentence: The artist painted abstract shapes that were ahead of his time. / His ideas about recycling were way ahead of his time.
Similar Expressions: Visionary mind / Future thinker
30. A stitch in time saves nine
Definition: Fixing a small problem right away saves you from dealing with a huge one later.
Used in a Sentence: Repairing that small hole in your jacket now is a stitch in time saves nine. / Fixing the leaky faucet today means a stitch in time saves nine.
Similar Expressions: Fix it early / Prevent bigger trouble
31. Time out of mind
Definition: Referring to a period so ancient that nobody remembers when it started.
Used in a Sentence: That old oak tree has stood by the river for time out of mind. / Our family has farmed this valley for time out of mind.
Similar Expressions: Ancient history / Beyond memory
32. At the drop of a hat
Definition: Doing something instantly without any delay when time demands it.
Used in a Sentence: My dog is ready to chase a tennis ball at the drop of a hat. / She packs her bags for a camping trip at the drop of a hat.
Similar Expressions: Instantly / Without hesitation
33. Behind schedule
Definition: Operating slower than the planned timeline requires.
Used in a Sentence: Our bus ran into heavy traffic and arrived behind schedule. / We fell behind schedule on our science experiment notebook.
Similar Expressions: Late / Delayed progress
34. Call it a day
Definition: To stop working on a task because enough hours have passed.
Used in a Sentence: We worked on cleaning the garage for four hours and decided to call it a day. / The sun is setting, let us call it a day and go inside.
Similar Expressions: Stop working / Finish up
35. Make up for lost time
Definition: To work extra hard or have extra fun to replace hours missed earlier.
Used in a Sentence: After being sick all week, I wanted to make up for lost time with my friends. / We played outside extra long to make up for lost time in the rain.
Similar Expressions: Catch up / Replace missed hours
36. Time heals everything
Definition: The soothing belief that every sad memory fades away eventually.
Used in a Sentence: Do not worry about making that mistake, because time heals everything. / She believed that time heals everything after her favorite pet passed away.
Similar Expressions: Sorrow fades / Healing process
37. Time marches on
Definition: Life and history keep moving forward steadily no matter what happens.
Used in a Sentence: Even when we feel sad about graduating, time marches on. / Seasons change and time marches on whether we are ready or not.
Similar Expressions: Life continues / Time keeps moving
38. Pass the time of day
Definition: To spend a few minutes having a friendly, casual chat with someone.
Used in a Sentence: My neighbor stopped by the fence to pass the time of day with my dad. / We love to sit on the porch and pass the time of day together.
Similar Expressions: Friendly chat / Small talk
39. Time heals all things
Definition: A comforting thought that passage of time cures all emotional discomfort.
Used in a Sentence: He missed his old school, but he knew time heals all things. / Time heals all things when you are feeling frustrated.
Similar Expressions: Time cures / Sadness fades
40. Running out of time
Definition: Having very few remaining seconds left before a deadline expires.
Used in a Sentence: Hurry up and finish coloring your map because we are running out of time. / The clock ticked down, showing we were running out of time.
Similar Expressions: Seconds ticking / Deadline near
41. At all hours
Definition: Happening constantly throughout both day and night without a break.
Used in a Sentence: The loud construction noise outside went on at all hours of the night. / Newborn puppies require attention at all hours.
Similar Expressions: Constantly / Day and night
42. In the nick of the hour
Definition: Arriving right at the final boundary of a scheduled event.
Used in a Sentence: We arrived at the train station in the nick of the hour before departure. / She turned her project in in the nick of the hour.
Similar Expressions: Just on time / Last minute
43. A matter of time
Definition: Something that is certain to happen eventually as days pass.
Used in a Sentence: It is only a matter of time before our school team wins the trophy. / Germs spread easily, so it is a matter of time before everyone catches a cold.
Similar Expressions: Inevitable event / Bound to happen
44. Take your sweet time
Definition: Moving extremely slowly on purpose, often frustrating people who are waiting.
Used in a Sentence: He took his sweet time packing his backpack while we waited at the door. / Stop taking your sweet time and put your shoes on!
Similar Expressions: Move very slowly / Take forever
45. Time heals broken hearts
Definition: Emotional pain from romance or friendship loss fades as months pass.
Used in a Sentence: She was heartbroken over losing her best friend, but time heals broken hearts. / Trust that time heals broken hearts after a tough argument.
Similar Expressions: Heartbreak fades / Emotional recovery
46. At any moment
Definition: Something could happen very soon without further warning.
Used in a Sentence: The sudden rainstorm could start at any moment, so let us hurry. / The surprise guest is expected to arrive at any moment.
Similar Expressions: Very soon / Any second
47. Down through the ages
Definition: Spanning across many long centuries of human history.
Used in a Sentence: Stories of bravery have been told down through the ages. / Ancient traditions were passed down through the ages by families.
Similar Expressions: Over centuries / Through history
48. Time after time again
Definition: Repeating an action consistently over many different days.
Used in a Sentence: Time after time again, my little sister builds tall block towers and knocks them down. / We practiced our piano song time after time again.
Similar Expressions: Repeatedly / Constantly over and over
49. In due course
Definition: Happening at the right, natural time without needing to rush it.
Used in a Sentence: Do not worry about learning all the math rules, you will understand them in due course. / Your questions will be answered in due course during class.
Similar Expressions: Eventually / At the right time
50. All in good time
Definition: Reminding someone to be patient because events will unfold when ready.
Used in a Sentence: Will we get ice cream after chores? Yes, all in good time. / Do not rush your growing up, all in good time you will understand.
Similar Expressions: Be patient / Wait for the right moment
Exercise to Practice
- We played board games all afternoon and did not notice that time flies.
- Our soccer team managed to weather the storm and win the game in the final minutes, sinking into instant defeat with zero points scored.
- The hospital emergency room stays open around the clock to help people.
- We tried to pack our picnic baskets and beat the clock before the rain started, crawling along the floor slower than a lazy snail over many hours.
- I handed in my science report in the nick of time before the bell rang.
- My grandfather still uses a flip phone and jokes that he is behind the times.
- The inventor created a digital drawing tool years ago, proving he was ahead of his time, getting confused by basic buttons and screens.
- I wish I could turn back the hands of time and study harder for that math quiz.
- Cleaning the whole kitchen before my parents arrived was a real race against time, sitting on the couch relaxing all day with zero chores done.
- While waiting for the dentist to call my name, it felt like time stands still.
- My family eats dessert before dinner, but we only do it once in a blue moon, consuming sugary treats every single minute of every day.
- I will use this old blue backpack for the time being until my new one arrives.
- There is no rush to finish your painting, so please take your time.
- We played card games in the waiting room to kill time before our appointment, screaming loudly in a chaotic panic while destroying all the furniture.
- Losing the big soccer match hurt today, but remember that time heals all wounds.
Answer Key
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
Conclusion
Learning these idioms helps you describe how hours fly by, how we wait patiently, and how life moves forward. Instead of using plain words, you can paint a picture of time passing with your descriptions. Try using a few of these helpful expressions the next time you talk about summer vacation ending or waiting for an event. It is a great way to grow your vocabulary and make your everyday stories sound alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common idioms for time passing?
Common idioms often describe fast hours or waiting periods, such as time flies or take your time. These expressions help listeners visualize how rapidly or slowly moments move.
Why do we use idioms in English?
Idioms make our writing and speech more colorful, vivid, and engaging for others. Instead of just stating boring facts, we help people picture abstract concepts like time and aging clearly in their minds.
Can idioms describe working hard against a deadline?
Yes, idioms can also describe rushing before a limit expires, such as beat the clock or in the nick of time. These expressions capture urgent scheduling efforts.
How can I practice using idioms?
You can practice by watching a clock during a fun game or a boring wait, then matching those moments to familiar phrases. Writing short stories about a busy day is also a helpful practice tool.
Are idioms different from literal phrases?
Yes, idioms mean something different than the literal definitions of their individual words. Both are wonderful tools for creative and descriptive language.
