Time Idioms

8 English idioms built around time words, each with a full page covering meaning, origin, examples, and common mistakes.

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Against the ClockAgainst the clock — working as fast as possible because there is very little time remaining before a deadline; racing to finish… At the eleventh hourAt the eleventh hour — At the very last possible moment, just before a deadline passes or it becomes too late to act. Call it a dayCall it a day — To stop working on something for now; to decide that you have done enough and will end an activity, usually because you… In the Heat of the MomentIn the heat of the moment — while in an emotional or excited state, without time to think carefully. In the nick of timeIn the nick of time — At the last possible moment, just before it is too late. Kill timeKill time — To do something unimportant, casual, or trivial simply to make time pass more quickly while waiting for something else to… Lose Track of TimeLiteral: To lose the "track" — the mental record or awareness — of time. The early bird catches the wormThe early bird catches the worm — The person who arrives first, or takes action soonest, has the best chance of success.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does English have so many time idioms?

Time words describe things every English speaker experiences directly, so they make vivid, easy-to-picture comparisons. Over centuries, phrases built around time words became fixed idioms because the images are so memorable and universally understood.

What does "Against the Clock" mean?

"Against the Clock" means against the clock — working as fast as possible because there is very little time remaining before a deadline; racing to finish…. See the full page on this idiom for its origin, example sentences, and common mistakes.

Are time idioms common in everyday spoken English?

Yes. Many time idioms — like "At the eleventh hour" — are used constantly in casual conversation, films, and news headlines. Learning a handful of the most common ones will noticeably improve your listening comprehension.

How many time idioms are on this page?

This page currently links to 8 time idioms from LexFizz's full idiom collection, each with its own page covering meaning, origin, examples, and common mistakes.

What CEFR level should I be to learn time idioms?

Most time idioms are introduced from B1 (intermediate) level onward, with some appearing as early as A2 in simplified form. Check the CEFR badge on each individual idiom page for its specific level.

Can I use time idioms in formal writing?

Generally no. Like most idioms, time-themed expressions are best suited to spoken English, casual writing, and creative texts. In formal essays, reports, or official correspondence, plain and precise language is usually preferred.

What is the best way to memorise time idioms?

Learn them in context rather than as a word list: read an example sentence, picture the literal time image behind the idiom, and then try writing your own sentence. LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises use spaced repetition to help this stick.

Do time idioms have equivalents in other languages?

Often, yes — many languages have their own time-based sayings for similar ideas, though the exact wording rarely translates literally. Comparing the English idiom to a phrase you already know in your own language can make it easier to remember.

Where can I practise time idioms?

Each idiom page linked below includes example sentences and common mistakes. You can also use LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises to actively test yourself on the idioms in this list.

Are there more idiom themes besides time on LexFizz?

Yes — LexFizz groups idioms into several themed collections, including weather, animal, food, colour, body, money, sports, and time idioms. Visit the main <a href="/idioms/">Idioms hub</a> to browse by theme or see the full alphabetical list.