Time has a quiet way of shaping our lives. Sometimes it rushes past, and other times it seems to linger gently, asking us to pause and reflect. Learning idioms for time passing helps us express these feelings with warmth, care, and thoughtful phrasing. Whether you are writing, speaking, or simply trying to communicate more meaningfully, these expressions add emotional depth and natural flow to your language.
As someone who has spent years reading, writing, and teaching English expressions, I’ve noticed that idioms about time are often what make conversations feel human rather than mechanical.
1. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly.
Sentence: When I’m with old friends, time flies without me noticing.
Best use: Use it to describe enjoyable or engaging moments.
Other ways to say: Time goes by quickly, the hours slip away
2. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Something happens extremely fast.
Sentence: The holidays were over in the blink of an eye.
Best use: Ideal for sudden changes or short periods.
Other ways to say: In no time, in an instant
3. Around the clock
Meaning: All day and all night, continuously.
Sentence: Parents often work around the clock without recognition.
Best use: Talking about dedication or nonstop effort.
Other ways to say: Day and night, 24/7
4. At the eleventh hour
Meaning: At the very last moment.
Sentence: She submitted her application at the eleventh hour.
Best use: For deadlines and last-minute actions.
Other ways to say: Just in time, at the last minute
5. Time and again
Meaning: Repeatedly, many times.
Sentence: I’ve learned time and again that patience matters.
Best use: Expressing repeated experiences.
Other ways to say: Over and over, repeatedly
6. Against the clock
Meaning: Working fast because time is limited.
Sentence: We worked against the clock to finish the project.
Best use: Stressful or urgent situations.
Other ways to say: Racing time, under time pressure
7. Ahead of time
Meaning: Earlier than planned.
Sentence: Preparing ahead of time reduces stress.
Best use: Planning and organization.
Other ways to say: In advance, early
8. In due course
Meaning: At the appropriate or expected time.
Sentence: Everything will make sense in due course.
Best use: Reassuring others.
Other ways to say: Eventually, when the time is right
9. Kill time
Meaning: Spend time doing unimportant things.
Sentence: I read a book to kill time at the airport.
Best use: Waiting situations.
Other ways to say: Pass the time, fill time
10. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Sentence: We meet once in a blue moon, but it’s always special.
Best use: Rare events.
Other ways to say: Hardly ever, rarely
11. The sands of time
Meaning: The continuous passage of time.
Sentence: The sands of time heal even deep wounds.
Best use: Reflective or emotional writing.
Other ways to say: Passage of time, flow of time
12. Time is of the essence
Meaning: Time is very important.
Sentence: In emergencies, time is of the essence.
Best use: Urgent situations.
Other ways to say: Every second counts, no time to waste
13. A race against time
Meaning: Trying to finish before time runs out.
Sentence: Saving the patient became a race against time.
Best use: High-stakes scenarios.
Other ways to say: Beating the clock, urgent effort
14. For the time being
Meaning: Temporarily.
Sentence: I’ll stay here for the time being.
Best use: Short-term decisions.
Other ways to say: For now, temporarily
15. From time to time
Meaning: Occasionally.
Sentence: I check in on old friends from time to time.
Best use: Casual conversation.
Other ways to say: Now and then, occasionally
16. Time stands still
Meaning: A moment feels frozen.
Sentence: When I heard the news, time stood still.
Best use: Emotional or dramatic moments.
Other ways to say: Frozen in time, everything paused
17. Make up for lost time
Meaning: Do something faster after delay.
Sentence: We talked for hours to make up for lost time.
Best use: Reconnecting or catching up.
Other ways to say: Catch up, recover time
18. The time of one’s life
Meaning: An extremely enjoyable experience.
Sentence: She had the time of her life traveling.
Best use: Happy memories.
Other ways to say: Wonderful time, great fun
19. Over time
Meaning: Gradually.
Sentence: Trust builds over time.
Best use: Long-term change.
Other ways to say: Gradually, with time
20. Time after time
Meaning: Repeatedly.
Sentence: He proved his honesty time after time.
Best use: Emphasizing consistency.
Other ways to say: Again and again, repeatedly
21. Bide one’s time
Meaning: Wait patiently.
Sentence: Sometimes you must bide your time.
Best use: Strategy and patience.
Other ways to say: Wait it out, be patient
22. Time slips away
Meaning: Time passes unnoticed.
Sentence: During quiet evenings, time slips away.
Best use: Reflective moments.
Other ways to say: Time drifts by, time fades
23. Behind the times
Meaning: Old-fashioned.
Sentence: That mindset feels behind the times.
Best use: Social or cultural discussions.
Other ways to say: Outdated, old-fashioned
24. Ahead of one’s time
Meaning: More advanced than others.
Sentence: Her ideas were ahead of her time.
Best use: Innovation and creativity.
Other ways to say: Visionary, forward-thinking
25. All in good time
Meaning: Things will happen when ready.
Sentence: You’ll understand all in good time.
Best use: Comforting reassurance.
Other ways to say: Eventually, when the moment comes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are idioms for time passing important?
They help express emotions, urgency, patience, and reflection more naturally and warmly.
2. Can I use these idioms in formal writing?
Yes, many work well in essays, blogs, and speeches when used thoughtfully.
3. Are time idioms common in daily conversation?
Absolutely. Native speakers use them frequently and instinctively.
4. How can I remember idioms easily?
Use them in sentences related to your own experiences.
5. Do idioms improve English fluency?
Yes, they make your language sound authentic and confident.
Conclusion
Time shapes every conversation, memory, and emotion we share. By using these 25 idioms for time passing, you can speak and write with greater empathy, clarity, and warmth. From personal experience, I’ve found that the right phrase at the right moment can make communication feel deeply human. With practice, these idioms will become a natural part of how you express life as it moves—moment by moment, all in good time.
Daniel Matthew is a passionate visionary who believes in creativity, purpose, and innovation. With a focus on growth and authenticity, he turns every idea into meaningful impact.
