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When I first taught the idiom “time flies,” a student in my class asked, “But teacher, how can time actually fly? Time isn’t a bird.” That moment made me realise why English learners struggle so much with time idioms — they’re deeply metaphorical. In English, we don’t just say “time passes quickly.” We say “time flies,” “time runs out,” or “we’re racing against the clock,” painting vivid pictures that native speakers instantly recognise. Once you understand these 12 idioms, you’ll notice them everywhere — in conversations, films, business meetings, and casual chat.
I’ve grouped the 12 most useful time idioms into three themes: idioms about time passing quickly or slowly, idioms about deadlines and urgency, and idioms that express the value of time itself. Each idiom comes with real examples, the literal meaning versus the actual usage, and tips on when native speakers reach for them.
Key Takeaways
- Time idioms are metaphors — they compare time to movement, money, or space to create vivid meaning.
- Three main themes — time passing (time flies, once in a blue moon), urgency (against the clock, in the nick of time), and value (time is money, have the time of your life).
- Context matters — “time flies” works in casual speech, but “against the clock” fits formal pressure situations.
- Literal vs figurative — native speakers never take these phrases literally; understanding the metaphor is key.
- Frequency in real English — these 12 appear constantly in conversation, business writing, and films.
Time Idioms About Time Passing
The most common group of time idioms expresses how we experience time — whether it feels fast, slow, or rare.
1. Time Flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly, often faster than you realised or wanted.
Literal: A bird called “time” is flying through the air.
Actual use: When you’re having fun or busy, hours or years disappear without you noticing.
Example 1: I can’t believe my daughter is turning 10 next month — time really flies.
Example 2: We were talking for three hours, but it felt like 20 minutes. Time flies when you’re with old friends.
Example 3: Last summer feels like yesterday. Time is flying!
2. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Something happens very rarely or infrequently.
Literal: A moon that is blue (which doesn’t actually happen in normal circumstances).
Actual use: Something so rare, you might only see it once in a “blue moon” — i.e. almost never.
Example 1: Peter only comes out for a drink once in a blue moon now that he has kids.
Example 2: My mum makes her famous lasagne once in a blue moon — maybe twice a year.
Example 3: She checks her email once in a blue moon — usually we wait days for a reply.
3. Better Late Than Never
Meaning: It’s better to do something even if you’re late than not to do it at all. A delayed achievement is better than no achievement.
Literal: Late delivery of something is preferable to never delivering it.
Actual use: Encouragement when someone arrives late, completes a task late, or achieves something after a long delay.
Example 1: I’m sorry my gift came late, but better late than never, right?
Example 2: “I finally finished that project.” “Better late than never!“
Example 3: He graduated at 45, but better late than never.
4. Living on Borrowed Time
Meaning: You’re in a situation that can’t last much longer, or you’ve escaped death and are living beyond what was expected.
Literal: You’ve borrowed time from fate and must eventually return it.
Actual use: Usually in serious contexts — after a health scare, a near-miss accident, or when facing an inevitable end (project cancellation, job loss).
Example 1: After his heart attack, he felt like he was living on borrowed time.
Example 2: The old factory has been living on borrowed time — it’ll close within a year.
Example 3: They survived the accident by sheer luck. Now they feel like they’re living on borrowed time.
Frequency note: “Time flies” and “once in a blue moon” are the most common of these three — you’ll hear them in everyday conversation. “Living on borrowed time” is more formal and serious.
Time Idioms About Deadlines and Urgency
This group describes situations where time is running out or pressure is on .
5. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just barely in time; at the last possible moment before it’s too late.
Literal: A “nick” is a small cut or notch; “the nick of time” suggests the thinnest margin possible.
Actual use: You save something or complete something with only seconds to spare.
Example 1: The fire alarm went off, and everyone evacuated in the nick of time before the ceiling collapsed.
Example 2: I submitted my essay in the nick of time — literally one minute before the deadline.
Example 3: The goalkeeper caught the ball in the nick of time, preventing a goal.
6. Against the Clock
Meaning: Trying to complete something under severe time pressure; racing to beat a deadline.
Literal: You are fighting against an opponent made of time itself (the clock).
Actual use: A stressful situation where time is the enemy and you must work fast.
Example 1: We left for the airport late, so it was a race against the clock to catch our flight.
Example 2: The doctors worked against the clock to save his life.
Example 3: The software team is working against the clock to fix the bug before launch.
7. On the Spur of the Moment
Meaning: A sudden, unplanned decision made without thinking ahead; spontaneously.
Literal: A spur is a sharp object on a horse rider’s boot; the “spur of the moment” suggests a sudden jab or impulse.
Actual use: You decide to do something quickly, without planning or reflection.
Example 1: I booked a flight to Paris on the spur of the moment — I didn’t even pack a suitcase.
Example 2: You’ve got to stop making business decisions on the spur of the moment like this.
Example 3: We decided to move house on the spur of the moment and now we’re regretting it.
8. All in Good Time
Meaning: Eventually; at the right time in the future. An encouragement to be patient.
Literal: Everything will happen when the time is good or suitable.
Actual use: A reassurance that something will happen, but not yet — patience is required.
Example 1: “When will I get a promotion?” “All in good time. You’ve only been here six months.”
Example 2: Your house will sell, but all in good time.
Example 3: “When do I meet the team?” “All in good time. First, let’s get you settled.”
Time Idioms About Value and Experience
This final group treats time as a resource — something precious, valuable, or meant to be enjoyed.
9. Time is Money
Meaning: Time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted, just like money. If you waste time, you lose money or opportunity.
Literal: Time and money are equivalent resources.
Actual use: Business contexts, productivity discussions, or whenever someone wants to emphasise that wasting time is costly.
Example 1: I can’t afford to stand here chatting — time is money, you know!
Example 2: In business, time is money. Every hour of delay costs us revenue.
Example 3: Stop procrastinating; time is money, and you’re wasting both.
10. Have the Time of Your Life
Meaning: Experience an extremely fun, exciting, or enjoyable time.
Literal: Possess a period of time that belongs in the category of “your best ever.”
Actual use: Describing holidays, parties, reunions, or any event where you’re having maximum fun.
Example 1: I travelled to France for the first time last summer, and I had the time of my life.
Example 2: “How was the concert?” “Amazing — I had the time of my life!“
Example 3: At my 30th birthday party, everyone had the time of their lives.
11. The Time is Ripe
Meaning: It’s the right moment or perfect time to do something; conditions are favourable.
Literal: A fruit is “ripe” when it’s ready to eat; similarly, a time is “ripe” when it’s ready for action.
Actual use: Formal or business contexts where you’re saying now is the best moment to act.
Example 1: The time is ripe to launch our new product — the market is ready.
Example 2: I’m waiting until the time is ripe before I tell my parents that I failed my exams.
Example 3: The time is ripe for change in our company.
12. In the Interim
Meaning: During the period of time between two events; in the meantime.
Literal: “Interim” means “in between” — a period existing between two points.
Actual use: Business, formal writing, or when you need to describe a temporary measure until something permanent arrives.
Example 1: We’re hiring a new director, but in the interim, I’ll manage the team.
Example 2: The café is closed for renovations — in the interim, we’re operating from the side room.
Example 3: Her contract ends this month, but in the interim, she’s training her replacement.
Bonus: In Broad Daylight
Meaning: Openly, clearly, in full view of everyone — not hidden or secret.
Literal: During broad (wide) daylight when everything is visible.
Actual use: When something shocking or unexpected happens where everyone can see it; usually implies boldness or lack of shame.
Example 1: The gangland feud is so bad that people are being shot in broad daylight.
Example 2: The thief stole the car in broad daylight with five witnesses watching.
Example 3: Nobody expected her to resign in broad daylight at the board meeting — but there she was.
Quick reference: Master these 12 by grouping them by theme: passing time (flies, once in a blue moon, better late than never, borrowed time), urgency (nick of time, against the clock, spur of the moment, all in good time), and value/experience (time is money, have the time, time is ripe, in the interim).
Common Mistakes
✗ Incorrect: “I’m timing against the clock to finish this project.”
✓ Correct: “I’m working against the clock to finish this project.”
Why: The idiom is “against the clock” — you don’t “time” against the clock; you “work” or “race” against it.
✗ Incorrect: “We arrived in the time of nick to catch the train.”
✓ Correct: “We arrived in the nick of time to catch the train.”
Why: The correct phrase is “in the nick of time,” not “in the time of nick.” The word order matters.
✗ Incorrect: “Once in the blue moon, I eat ice cream.”
✓ Correct: “Once in a blue moon, I eat ice cream.”
Why: The article is “a” not “the.” Historically, “once in a blue moon” refers to a rare astronomical event.
✗ Incorrect: “He made the decision by the spur of the moment.”
✓ Correct: “He made the decision on the spur of the moment.”
Why: The preposition is “on,” not “by.” You act “on” a sudden impulse.
Sample Dialogue: Job Interview Pressure
Boss: We need to make a decision about the new hire. Time is money, and we’re wasting both.
HR Manager: I know, but let’s not decide on the spur of the moment. The best candidate arrives tomorrow.
Boss: So we’re working against the clock now?
HR Manager: Not really. All in good time. We’ve got 24 hours. That’s enough.
Boss: Fine. But once she arrives, we decide in the nick of time before she accepts another offer.
Quick Quiz
Choose the idiom that best completes each sentence:
- I finished my homework ________ — one minute before I had to go to school. (in the nick of time / once in a blue moon)
- My friend visits me ________ — probably just twice a year. (in broad daylight / once in a blue moon)
- During the pandemic, I realised that ________ and I shouldn’t waste it on stress. (time is money / time flies)
- The new shop owner hasn’t decided on a location yet, but ________ she will. (in the interim / in the nick of time)
- I booked a trip to Thailand ________ without even checking the date. (on the spur of the moment / all in good time)
Answers: 1. in the nick of time · 2. once in a blue moon · 3. time is money · 4. in the interim · 5. on the spur of the moment.
Bonus Idiom Comparisons
| Idiom | Theme | When to use | Example in context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time flies | Passing time | Casual, reflective | “The kids are getting so tall — time flies!” |
| In the nick of time | Urgency | Relief, close call | “I caught him before he fell.” |
| Time is money | Value | Business, productivity | “Stop procrastinating — time is money.” |
| Against the clock | Urgency | High pressure, racing | “The team worked against the clock to launch.” |
| Once in a blue moon | Passing time | Casual, rare events | “I eat cake once in a blue moon.” |
| Have the time of your life | Value/experience | Happy, celebratory | “My vacation was amazing — I had the time of my life!” |
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Speaking
- 200 Common English Idioms and Phrases — comprehensive idiom reference
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Expressions (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a time idiom?
A time idiom is a phrase where the literal meaning of the words doesn’t match the actual meaning. Time idioms use metaphors — comparing time to movement, money, fruit, or space — to express ideas about how quickly time passes, how urgent a situation is, or how valuable time is. For example, “time flies” doesn’t mean time is literally a bird; it means time passes quickly.
Why are time idioms so common in English?
English speakers think of time in metaphorical ways because time is abstract — we can’t see it or touch it. By comparing time to concrete things like flying birds, money, or racing, idioms make the concept easier to understand and remember. Time idioms also reflect cultural values — we treat time as a precious resource (“time is money”), we celebrate experiences (“have the time of your life”), and we feel pressure when time runs out (“against the clock”).
How can I remember these idioms?
Group them by theme instead of trying to memorise all 12 separately. Remember: idioms about passing time (time flies, once in a blue moon), idioms about urgency (against the clock, in the nick of time), and idioms about value (time is money, have the time of your life). Learn 3–4 at a time, use them in sentences, and listen for them in films or podcasts.
Is “once in a blue moon” historically accurate?
Partly. A “blue moon” is a real astronomical event — when a full moon appears twice in one calendar month, or occasionally defined as the third full moon in a season of four moons. This happens roughly every 2–3 years, making it rare. The idiom exaggerates this rarity, using “blue moon” to mean “almost never,” which is why the phrase has become so popular in English.
Which time idiom is the most formal?
The most formal time idioms are “in the interim” and “the time is ripe,” which appear frequently in business writing, legal documents, and formal speech. “Time is money” also carries a business tone. In contrast, “time flies,” “once in a blue moon,” and “have the time of your life” are casual and appear in everyday conversation.
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