20 Idioms on Time - Set 01

1. Against the clock

• Meaning: Working quickly to meet a deadline or complete a task in a limited time.

• Sentence Usage 1: The team was against the clock to finish the project before the client's presentation.

• Sentence Usage 2: Racing against the clock, she managed to submit the report just in time.

2. Against time

• Meaning: Attempting to do something quickly before a deadline.

• Sentence Usage 1: They were working against time to repair the damage caused by the unexpected storm.

• Sentence Usage 2: The rescue team operated against time to save the stranded hikers before nightfall.

3. Ahead of one's time

• Meaning: Innovative or advanced beyond the current era.

• Sentence Usage 1: The scientist's groundbreaking theories were ahead of his time and took years to be widely accepted.

• Sentence Usage 2: The artist's unique style was considered ahead of her time, challenging traditional norms.

4. Any minute soon now

• Meaning: In the very near future; any moment now.

• Sentence Usage 1: The bus should arrive any minute soon now, so be ready at the stop.

• Sentence Usage 2: The results of the election will be announced any minute soon now.

5. Beat the clock

• Meaning: Complete a task before the deadline; finish something quickly.

• Sentence Usage 1: With only a few minutes left, they managed to beat the clock and submit their entries.

• Sentence Usage 2: The chef had to beat the clock to prepare the special dish for the event.

6. Blast from the past

• Meaning: A sudden reminder of a past event or memory.

• Sentence Usage 1: Finding the old photo album was a blast from the past, bringing back memories.

• Sentence Usage 2: Hearing that song on the radio was a blast from the past, reminding me of my school days.

7. Call it a day

• Meaning: Decide to stop working or put an end to an activity.

• Sentence Usage 1: It's getting late; let's call it a day and continue the project tomorrow.

• Sentence Usage 2: After hours of rehearsals, the director decided to call it a day and resume the practice tomorrow.

8. Caught in a time warp

• Meaning: Stuck in an old-fashioned or outdated situation.

• Sentence Usage 1: The small town seemed caught in a time warp, with classic cars and vintage shops.

• Sentence Usage 2: The old library felt like it was caught in a time warp, unchanged for decades.

9. Clock on

• Meaning: Begin work or start a shift.

• Sentence Usage 1: Employees need to clock on at 9 AM sharp to start their workday.

• Sentence Usage 2: Don't forget to clock on when you arrive at the office to track your working hours.

10. Clock out

• Meaning: Finish work or end a shift by recording the time.

• Sentence Usage 1: Remember to clock out when you leave the office to log your total hours worked.

• Sentence Usage 2: The workers eagerly clocked out at the end of the long day.

11. Devil of a time

• Meaning: Experience extreme difficulty or trouble.

• Sentence Usage 1: We had a devil of a time finding the lost keys in the dark.

• Sentence Usage 2: The team had a devil of a time solving the complex puzzle.

12. Different as night and day

• Meaning: Completely different; having stark contrasts.

• Sentence Usage 1: The twins may look alike, but their personalities are as different as night and day.

• Sentence Usage 2: The two paintings were different as night and day in terms of style and color.

13. Drastic times call for drastic measures

• Meaning: Extreme situations require extreme actions.

• Sentence Usage 1: The company faced bankruptcy, so the CEO decided that drastic times call for drastic measures.

• Sentence Usage 2: In times of crisis, leaders may believe that drastic times call for drastic measures to bring about change.

14. Every minute

• Meaning: All the time; constantly.

• Sentence Usage 1: She thinks about her upcoming exam every minute, even in her dreams.

• Sentence Usage 2: The coach emphasizes the importance of practicing every minute to improve skills.

15. Face that would stop a clock

• Meaning: A very unattractive or unpleasant facial expression.

• Sentence Usage 1: When he heard the bad news, he had a face that would stop a clock.

• Sentence Usage 2: Her angry face was a face that would stop a clock, frightening everyone in the room.

16. For the ages

• Meaning: Something memorable or enduring.

• Sentence Usage 1: The team's victory in the championship will be remembered for the ages.

• Sentence Usage 2: The historic speech was considered a moment for the ages.

17. Have a whale of a time

• Meaning: Have an extremely enjoyable or fun experience.

• Sentence Usage 1: The children had a whale of a time at the amusement park.

• Sentence Usage 2: We had a whale of a time celebrating the success of the project.

18. Have time on your hands

• Meaning: Have free time available; not busy.

• Sentence Usage 1: Since he finished his tasks early, he now has time on his hands to explore new hobbies.

• Sentence Usage 2: During the weekend, she usually has time on her hands to relax and unwind.

19. High time

• Meaning: An appropriate or opportune moment.

• Sentence Usage 1: It's high time we addressed the issues affecting the team's performance.

• Sentence Usage 2: With the deadline approaching, it's high time to finalize the project proposal.

20. In a split second

• Meaning: Happening very quickly; almost instantly.

• Sentence Usage 1: The accident occurred in a split second, catching everyone by surprise.

• Sentence Usage 2: In a split second, he made a decision that changed the course of his life.