Time Idioms — Idioms
How Americans bend time into idioms — rushing, waiting, and finishing. · 10 idioms · Level B1
in the nick of time
Meaning: at the last possible moment, just before it's too late
neutral stories, travel, rescues
Example: We caught the train in the nick of time.
A The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.
B Another minute would have been too late.
⚠️ Common mistake: In THE nick of time — just in time is its simpler twin; the nick adds drama.
time flies
Meaning: time passes very quickly
neutral conversations, nostalgia
Example: Time flies when you're having fun.
A Ten years already? Time flies.
B Feels like yesterday we met.
⚠️ Common mistake: Time flies — complete sentence. Adding 'fast' after it (time flies fast) is redundant.
beat the clock
Meaning: to finish before a deadline
neutral deadlines, work, games
Example: The team worked all night to beat the clock.
A Can we beat the clock on this order?
B Two hours left — yes, if we focus.
⚠️ Common mistake: Beat THE clock — the clock is the opponent: a deadline with a timer.
around the clock
Meaning: all day and all night, without stopping
neutral services, emergencies, news
Example: Nurses work around the clock at the hospital.
A The crew worked around the clock.
B The bridge reopened in three days.
⚠️ Common mistake: Around the clock = 24 hours nonstop. A diner 'open around the clock' never closes.
in no time
Meaning: very quickly; almost immediately
informal quick results, promises
Example: The kids finished their homework in no time.
A I'll be there in no time.
B The roads are empty tonight.
⚠️ Common mistake: In no time (at all) — the 'at all' is optional emphasis: done in no time at all.
time is running out
Meaning: there is little time left before a deadline
neutral deadlines, warnings, exams
Example: Time is running out — submit your application today.
A Time is running out on the sale.
B Then let's decide tonight.
⚠️ Common mistake: Time is running out — present continuous for an approaching end. Not 'time is finishing'.
call it a day
Meaning: to stop working for the day
informal work endings, tired teams
Example: We've done enough — let's call it a day.
A Let's call it a day, team.
B Agreed — fresh start tomorrow.
⚠️ Common mistake: Call it A day (singular). There's also 'call it a night' for evening social endings.
day in and day out
Meaning: every day, repeatedly, without change
neutral routines, praise, complaints
Example: She cares for patients day in and day out.
A He cooks day in and day out.
B Thirty years, same kitchen, same pride.
⚠️ Common mistake: Day in and day out — the order is fixed: IN then OUT. It stresses endless repetition.
sooner or later
Meaning: at some time in the future, certainly
neutral predictions, warnings
Example: Sooner or later, everyone learns this lesson.
A Sooner or later the car will break.
B It's twenty years old — sooner, I bet.
⚠️ Common mistake: Sooner or LATER (comparatives). It promises the event WILL happen — timing unknown.
at the eleventh hour
Meaning: at the very last moment before a deadline
neutral news, negotiations
Example: They reached an agreement at the eleventh hour.
A The deal closed at the eleventh hour.
B Midnight signatures — dramatic to the end.
⚠️ Common mistake: At THE eleventh hour — from a Bible parable about workers hired at the last hour.
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