Time is something we all experience, yet it often feels both fleeting and profound. Sometimes, it’s hard to find the right words to express how time slips by — whether it’s the gentle passing of peaceful moments or the swift rush of busy days. That’s why idioms about time passing are so valuable: they give us warm, meaningful ways to talk about life’s flow, to connect with others, and to share our feelings with thoughtfulness and care. Idioms about Time Passing.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 25 idioms about time passing — each explained clearly with examples and alternatives — so you can express yourself with depth and empathy. Drawing from years of experience in writing and communication, I’ve seen how these phrases bring richness to conversations and storytelling, helping us reflect on the past, live in the moment, and look ahead with hope.
1. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly.
In a sentence: It’s hard to believe how fast the summer went by — truly, time flies when you’re enjoying yourself.
Best use: When talking about how quickly a period has passed, especially enjoyable or busy times.
Other ways to say: Time speeds by, time zooms past, the days fly.
Read More: Idioms for a Lot
2. In the nick of time
Meaning: Just at the last possible moment.
In a sentence: She arrived in the nick of time to catch the train before it left.
Best use: Describing a close call when something happens just before it’s too late.
Other ways to say: Just in time, at the last moment, right on time.
3. Beat the clock
Meaning: To finish something before a deadline.
In a sentence: We managed to finish the project and beat the clock by a few minutes.
Best use: When emphasizing urgency and success in meeting time limits.
Other ways to say: Make it on time, meet the deadline, race against time.
4. Against the clock
Meaning: Doing something quickly because time is limited.
In a sentence: They worked against the clock to prepare for the presentation.
Best use: Highlighting a sense of urgency or pressure due to limited time.
Other ways to say: Under time pressure, racing time, on a tight schedule.
5. Time and tide wait for no man
Meaning: Time keeps moving forward no matter what.
In a sentence: Remember, time and tide wait for no man — it’s best to take action now.
Best use: Encouraging promptness or seizing opportunities.
Other ways to say: Time waits for no one, time won’t stop, seize the day.
6. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the rest of the day.
In a sentence: After hours of editing, we decided to call it a day and continue tomorrow.
Best use: Signaling the end of a work session or effort.
Other ways to say: Wrap up, finish for now, quit for the day.
7. Around the clock
Meaning: Happening continuously, all day and night.
In a sentence: The hospital staff worked around the clock to care for patients during the emergency.
Best use: Describing nonstop activity.
Other ways to say: 24/7, nonstop, all day long.
8. Kill time
Meaning: To do something to pass the time while waiting.
In a sentence: We played cards to kill time while waiting for the train.
Best use: When describing casual activities to avoid boredom.
Other ways to say: Pass the time, while away the time, bide time.
9. In the fullness of time
Meaning: When enough time has passed.
In a sentence: In the fullness of time, all your efforts will show results.
Best use: Expressing patience and future reward.
Other ways to say: Eventually, in due course, in time.
10. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To do something quickly to compensate for a delay.
In a sentence: After being late, she worked overtime to make up for lost time.
Best use: Emphasizing recovery after a setback.
Other ways to say: Catch up, compensate for delay, get back on track.
11. At the eleventh hour
Meaning: At the very last moment before it’s too late.
In a sentence: He submitted his application at the eleventh hour.
Best use: Highlighting last-minute action.
Other ways to say: Just in time, at the last moment, barely on time.
12. Time will tell
Meaning: The truth or outcome will become clear with time.
In a sentence: Whether the new plan works, time will tell.
Best use: When uncertain about future results.
Other ways to say: We’ll see, only time can show, in time.
13. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
In a sentence: We meet for coffee once in a blue moon, but it’s always special.
Best use: Expressing rarity or uncommon events.
Other ways to say: Rarely, hardly ever, seldom.
14. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
In a sentence: She burned the midnight oil preparing for the exam.
Best use: Describing intense, late-night effort.
Other ways to say: Work late, stay up late, pull an all-nighter.
15. The sands of time
Meaning: The passage of time.
In a sentence: Watching the children grow reminds me how quickly the sands of time slip away.
Best use: Poetic way to reflect on time passing.
Other ways to say: Passage of time, march of time, flow of time.
16. In no time
Meaning: Very quickly.
In a sentence: She finished the task in no time.
Best use: Emphasizing speed or efficiency.
Other ways to say: Quickly, in a flash, before you know it.
17. Time on your hands
Meaning: Having free time with nothing to do.
In a sentence: With time on his hands, he started learning to paint.
Best use: Talking about free or spare time.
Other ways to say: Free time, leisure time, spare time.
18. Time out
Meaning: A short break from activity.
In a sentence: Let’s take a time out to refresh ourselves.
Best use: Suggesting a pause to rest or reflect.
Other ways to say: Break, pause, rest period.
19. A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning: Acting promptly prevents bigger problems later.
In a sentence: Fixing the leak now is better — a stitch in time saves nine.
Best use: Advising timely action to avoid trouble.
Other ways to say: Nip it in the bud, better safe than sorry, act now.
20. Time heals all wounds
Meaning: Emotional pain lessens over time.
In a sentence: I know it hurts now, but time heals all wounds.
Best use: Offering comfort about recovery from hardship.
Other ways to say: Time mends, healing takes time, emotional recovery.
21. At the drop of a hat
Meaning: Without any hesitation or delay.
In a sentence: She’s ready to help at the drop of a hat.
Best use: Describing readiness or quick response.
Other ways to say: Immediately, on a whim, instantly.
22. Just what the doctor ordered
Meaning: Exactly what is needed at the right time.
In a sentence: A quiet evening was just what the doctor ordered after a hectic week.
Best use: Expressing relief or satisfaction.
Other ways to say: Perfect timing, exactly right, much needed.
23. Take your time
Meaning: Do something without rushing.
In a sentence: Take your time with the decision; there’s no hurry.
Best use: Encouraging patience and care.
Other ways to say: No rush, at your own pace, don’t hurry.
24. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Very quickly, almost instantly.
In a sentence: The moment was gone in the blink of an eye.
Best use: Emphasizing rapid passage of time.
Other ways to say: Instantly, in a flash, quickly.
25. Time after time
Meaning: Repeatedly or frequently.
In a sentence: Time after time, she showed her kindness to strangers.
Best use: Highlighting consistent or repeated behavior.
Other ways to say: Again and again, repeatedly, over and over.
Conclusion
Time is a constant companion in our lives, shaping our experiences, memories, and growth. Using idioms about time passing not only enriches our language but also allows us to express emotions and moments with warmth and thoughtfulness. Whether you want to describe the rush of busy days or the calm of patient waiting, these idioms give your words a heartfelt touch. I encourage you to weave these phrases into your conversations and writing — they’ll help you connect with others in a way that feels genuine and deeply human. After all, in our fast-moving world, how we talk about time matters as much as the moments themselves.
