Time is something we all share. Whether it’s a fun day with friends, a busy morning, or waiting for something exciting, time is always moving. But instead of just saying “time goes by,” there are many kind and thoughtful idioms you can use to describe time in a special way. In this article, I’ll share 24 idioms for time that are simple, friendly, and easy to use. These idioms will help you talk about time with care and warmth, making your words extra meaningful. Let’s get started!
1. Time flies
Meaning:
Time goes by very quickly.
In a sentence:
Time flies when you’re having fun.
Best use:
When good moments pass fast.
Other ways to say:
- It went by fast
- The day flew by
- So quick
2. Beat the clock
Meaning:
Finish something before time runs out.
In a sentence:
We beat the clock and finished our homework.
Best use:
When you’re fast and on time.
Other ways to say:
- Just in time
- Right on schedule
- Made it
3. Against the clock
Meaning:
Working fast because of a time limit.
In a sentence:
We worked against the clock to get ready.
Best use:
When you’re rushing.
Other ways to say:
- Racing time
- Hurrying
- In a rush
4. On the dot
Meaning:
Exactly on time.
In a sentence:
The bus arrived at 3 p.m. on the dot.
Best use:
When something is perfectly on time.
Other ways to say:
- Right on time
- Exactly
- No delay
5. In the nick of time
Meaning:
Just before it’s too late.
In a sentence:
We got to the airport in the nick of time.
Best use:
When you barely make it.
Other ways to say:
- Just made it
- Right in time
- Barely there
6. Time will tell
Meaning:
You will know the answer later.
In a sentence:
Time will tell if it was a good idea.
Best use:
When you have to wait to find out.
Other ways to say:
- We’ll see
- Wait and find out
- Only time can show
7. Better late than never
Meaning:
It’s good to do something, even if it’s late.
In a sentence:
She finally finished the book—better late than never.
Best use:
When someone is late but still did it.
Other ways to say:
- Glad you made it
- It’s okay to be late
- Done at last
8. Around the clock
Meaning:
All day and night without stopping.
In a sentence:
Doctors worked around the clock to help people.
Best use:
When something happens all the time.
Other ways to say:
- Non-stop
- All day long
- Always working
9. Behind the times
Meaning:
Old-fashioned or not modern.
In a sentence:
That phone is behind the times.
Best use:
When something feels outdated.
Other ways to say:
- Old style
- Out of date
- Not new
10. Kill time
Meaning:
Do something while you wait.
In a sentence:
We played cards to kill time at the airport.
Best use:
When you have extra time.
Other ways to say:
- Pass time
- Stay busy
- Fill the gap
11. Time is money
Meaning:
Time is valuable.
In a sentence:
Let’s hurry; time is money!
Best use:
When time is very important.
Other ways to say:
- Don’t waste time
- Time matters
- Use time wisely
12. Make time
Meaning:
Find time for something.
In a sentence:
I always make time to read.
Best use:
When you choose to spend time on something.
Other ways to say:
- Find time
- Set aside time
- Plan for it
13. Save time
Meaning:
To do something faster or easier.
In a sentence:
Using a map can save time.
Best use:
When you want to finish faster.
Other ways to say:
- Be quick
- Shorten the work
- Cut time
14. Out of time
Meaning:
No time left.
In a sentence:
We ran out of time during the test.
Best use:
When time is over.
Other ways to say:
- Time’s up
- No more time
- All done
15. Bide your time
Meaning:
Wait for the right moment.
In a sentence:
She bided her time before asking.
Best use:
When waiting patiently.
Other ways to say:
- Wait quietly
- Hold on
- Take your time
16. Time of your life
Meaning:
Have a really fun time.
In a sentence:
We had the time of our life on vacation.
Best use:
When you have a great experience.
Other ways to say:
- Best time
- So much fun
- Wonderful moment
17. Buy some time
Meaning:
To delay something so you have more time.
In a sentence:
I asked a question to buy some time.
Best use:
When you need a little extra time.
Other ways to say:
- Stall
- Delay
- Pause things
18. Time after time
Meaning:
Again and again.
In a sentence:
She helps me time after time.
Best use:
When something repeats.
Other ways to say:
- Over and over
- Many times
- Again
19. Crunch time
Meaning:
A very busy or important time.
In a sentence:
It’s crunch time before the test.
Best use:
When there’s pressure.
Other ways to say:
- Busy moment
- Big deadline
- Important time
20. Turn back the clock
Meaning:
To wish for the past.
In a sentence:
I’d love to turn back the clock to last summer.
Best use:
When you miss old times.
Other ways to say:
- Go back in time
- Remember
- Dream of before
21. Just in time
Meaning:
At the perfect moment.
In a sentence:
We arrived just in time for dinner.
Best use:
When you barely make it.
Other ways to say:
- Right on time
- Perfect timing
- Made it
22. Third time’s a charm
Meaning:
The third try works when the first two didn’t.
In a sentence:
I passed the test on my third try—third time’s a charm!
Best use:
When you keep trying.
Other ways to say:
- Keep going
- Try again
- Never give up
23. A race against time
Meaning:
Working quickly before time runs out.
In a sentence:
It was a race against time to finish the project.
Best use:
When there’s a tight deadline.
Other ways to say:
- Hurry
- Rush
- Beat the clock
24. In no time
Meaning:
Very quickly.
In a sentence:
We’ll be there in no time.
Best use:
When something happens fast.
Other ways to say:
- Super fast
- Right away
- Quickly
Conclusion
Time is such an important part of our lives, and now with these 24 idioms for time, you have lots of warm, simple ways to describe it. Whether you’re in a hurry, looking back, or enjoying the moment, these idioms help you share your feelings clearly and kindly.
