Common English Idioms Part 1- Lesson 1: English Idioms About Time
This is lesson 1 from Idiom Part 1. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Idioms on Time with Meanings
1- A waste of time (as noun) = A bad use of time or spending time on doing useless or unnecessary things
40 minutes waiting for a bus! What a waste of time!
2- Waste time (as verb) = The same as #1
Do not waste time on applying for this job, your chances are 1 to million.
I wasted so much of my precious time on applying to the wrong jobs.
3- Save time = Reducing time needed for doing something
In this rush hour, by using the subway, we can save lots of time.
4- Spend time = Using time on doing something
it is better to spend your time and energy on things that are aligned with your career goals.
5- Make time for = to set aside time for doing something
We should make time for reading good books.
6- Plenty of time = A lot of time available
No hurry, the bus leaves in 20 minutes. We have plenty of time at hand.
7- Spare time (as noun) = Free time or leisure time
In my spare time, I read books on philosophy.
8- Spare time (as verb) = Asking for a short time break to do something quickly
I like to discuss something important, can you spare 1 minute to talk about it.
9- Ran out of time = To have a lack or shortage of time for doing something
In my final exam, I ran out of time and just could not answer 3 questions.
10- Short of time = lack of having enough time to finish something
Due to the shortage of time, we have to cancel our next meeting.
Though we have 20 days to finish this project, we are short of time, so we need to hurry.
11- Afford time = to have enough money or time for something
Not anyone can afford the time to take a one month vacation.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 1 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 1, you can visit the Most Common English Idioms- Part 1 page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.
