time

on time

at the planned time, not late

Compare in time, which means early enough.

• The train left exactly on time.
• She is never on time for anything.
• Please be on time tomorrow; the bus won't wait.

in time

early enough to do something, or before it is too late

In time also means after a period has passed, in the end: In time, the pain went away. In time with the music means with the same beat. Compare on time, which means at the planned time.

• We got to the station in time to catch the last train.
• You are just in time for dinner.
• In time, she learned to enjoy living alone. (after a period has passed)

at the same time

together, or during one period

At the same time also introduces a fact that must be kept in mind although it points the other way: The job is hard; at the same time, I like it.

• Everyone started talking at the same time.
• The two letters arrived at the same time.
• It's an easy job, but at the same time it is boring. (introducing a point that goes the other way)

from time to time

sometimes, but not often or regularly

• We still see Ana from time to time.
• From time to time the old machine stops without warning.

take your time

do something slowly and carefully, without trying to be quick

Said to a slow person, take your time can show annoyance.

• There's no rush; take your time.
• Take your time over the exam and check every answer.
• Take your time, why don't you? We've only been waiting an hour. (ironic, to someone who is too slow)

all the time

very often, or continuously

With a period in mind, all the time means during the whole of it: He was here all the time.

• My little brother asks questions all the time.
• It rains here all the time in spring.
• I knew the answer all the time but said nothing. (during the whole period)

time after time

again and again

Time and time again and time and again mean the same.

• She has proved time after time that she can be trusted.
• Time after time the same mistake appears in the reports.

in no time

very quickly or very soon

Also in no time at all, and in next to no time.

• The children ate the cake in no time.
• Don't worry, the doctor will be with you in no time.

for the time being

for now, until something changes

• For the time being, we are staying with my parents.
• The office will stay open for the time being.

at times

sometimes

• At times the job can be very stressful.
• He can be difficult at times.

at one time

in the past, but not now

All at one time means at the same moment: Everyone left all at one time.

• At one time, the whole valley was covered with forest.
• I lived in the city at one time.

at a time

in groups of the number stated, one group after another

With a length of time, at a time means for whole periods of that length: for hours at a time.

• Please come in one at a time.
• She took the stairs two at a time.
• He can sit and read for hours at a time. (for whole periods of that length)

ahead of time

before the time that was planned or expected

• The builders finished the job ahead of time.
• Let me know ahead of time if you can't come.

behind the times

old-fashioned in your ideas or methods

• The shop is a little behind the times; it still doesn't take cards.

time flies

used to say that time seems to pass very quickly

• Time flies when you're having fun.
• Is it really ten years since we met? How time flies!

have a hard time

find it difficult or unpleasant to do something

Followed by an -ing form (had a hard time finding it) or by with and a noun. Have a difficult time and have a tough time are used in the same way.

• I had a hard time finding your house.
• The new students are having a hard time with the language.
• She had a hard time after her husband died.

give someone a hard time informal

say unkind things to someone or make things difficult for them, often as a joke

• My friends gave me a hard time about my new haircut.
• The boss gave him a hard time for being late.

kill time

do something to fill a period while you wait for something

• We killed time at the airport by playing cards.
• I had an hour to kill, so I walked around the market. (also have time to kill)

it's about time

used to say that something should have happened before now

It's high time means the same. Both are usually followed by a past tense that refers to now: It's about time you got a job.

• It's about time you cleaned your room!
• The bus is here at last. About time, too!

once upon a time

at some time long ago

The traditional first words of a story for children.

• Once upon a time, there was a king who had three daughters.
• Once upon a time, this street was full of small shops. (used lightly about the past)

the time of your life

a very enjoyable experience

Used with have.

• The children had the time of their lives at the fair.

big time informal

very much, or on a large scale

The big time is the highest level of success, especially in sport or entertainment: a singer who has made the big time.

• I owe you big time for this.
• He messed up big time.

at all times formal

always, at every moment

• Children must be with an adult at all times.

of all time

that has ever lived or existed

Used after a superlative: the greatest of all time.

• Many people say she is the best singer of all time.

do time informal

spend a period in prison

• He did time for robbery when he was young.

buy time

get more time to do something by delaying something else

• The lawyer asked more questions just to buy time.

play for time

try to delay something so that you have longer to get ready or to decide

• The council is playing for time, hoping the problem will go away.

time's up

the time allowed for something has ended

• Time's up! Put your pens down.

time is money

used to say that wasting time costs money, so people should work quickly

• Hurry up; time is money!

on your own time American

outside your working hours, not while you are being paid to work

The usual British form is in your own time, which can also mean at whatever speed you choose.

• Personal calls should be made on your own time.

have time on your hands

have more free time than you need or want

• Since he retired, he has had a lot of time on his hands.

make good time

travel quickly, without delays

• The roads were empty, and we made good time.

time will tell

used to say that the result of something will be known only later

• Was it the right decision? Only time will tell.

long time no see informal

used when meeting someone you have not seen for a long time

• Kim! Long time no see!

before your time

before you were born, or before you came to a place

• That singer was popular before your time.
• The old manager left before my time.

not give someone the time of day informal

refuse to speak to someone or to show any friendliness toward them

• Since the argument, she won't give him the time of day.