This is lesson 33 from Idiom Part 3. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
English Idiom Part 3- Lesson 33- Idioms about Time
1- Time is money = Time is valuable, so don’t waste it.
In business, time is money, so we need to work efficiently.
2- A waste of time = Referring to something that was not worth the time spent on it.
Sitting through that unproductive meeting was a waste of time.
3- Run out of time = To have no time left to complete something.
We ran out of time before we could finish the last question on the exam.
4- Make time for something = To deliberately find time in a busy schedule for something important.
Despite her hectic job, she always makes time for her family.
5- Save two minutes = To reduce time spent by a small amount.
Taking the shortcut will save two minutes, but it’s not worth the risk.
6- Afford a day off = To be able to take a day off without negative consequences.
I’ve been so busy at work, I can’t afford a day off right now.
7- Plenty of time = A large amount of time; not being in a rush.
Don’t worry, we have plenty of time to catch the train.
8- Precious time = Time that is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted.
Let’s not waste any more precious time, we need to act now.
9- Short of time = There is not enough time.
Due to short of time, we’ll have to skip the last activity.
10- It’s time to hand the reins over = It’s time to give control or leadership to someone else.
After ten years as CEO, it’s time to hand the reins over to someone new.
11- Third time lucky = The belief that after two failures, the third attempt will succeed.
I failed the test twice, but third time lucky, I passed!
12- Once in a lifetime = Something so rare it may only happen once.
Visiting the pyramids was a once in a lifetime experience.
13- Living on borrowed time = Living beyond the expected or safe period; time left is uncertain.
With his heart condition, the doctors say he’s living on borrowed time.
14- On the dot = Exactly at the scheduled time.
The meeting started at 9 a.m. on the dot.
15- In no time = Very quickly or almost immediately.
He finished his homework in no time.
16- In the nick of time = Just at the last possible moment before it’s too late.
The firefighters arrived in the nick of time to save the house.
17- Just in time = Exactly at the right moment, neither too early nor too late.
She caught the train just in time.
18- From time to time = Occasionally or sometimes.
I like to visit my grandparents from time to time.
19- Now and again = Occasionally, but less often than “from time to time.”
Now and again, we go out for dinner as a family.
Or
Every now and again, we go out for dinner as a family.
20- At the last minute = At the very last possible moment.
He submitted his application at the last minute.
21- In due course = At the appropriate or expected time in the future.
You will receive your results in due course.
22- Once in a blue moon = Very rarely.
We only go out to a fancy restaurant once in a blue moon.
23- At the crack of dawn = Very early in the morning.
They started their journey at the crack of dawn.
24- For donkeys’ years = For a very long time.
I haven’t seen her for donkeys’ years.
25- At the eleventh hour = At the very last moment before a deadline or before it is too late.
He handed in his report at the eleventh hour.
26- Sooner or later = Eventually, after some time.
Sooner or later, you’ll have to face the consequences.
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 3 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 3, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 3 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.
