about time: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘about time’ mean?
The idiom "about time" is used to express the feeling that something should have happened sooner or that it is long overdue.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "last minute" refers to the final moments before a deadline or event. It suggests that something is done or happens with very little time or notice remaining, often causing rushed or stressful situations.
The idiom "it's about time" is used to express that something should have happened sooner or that someone is overdue for a certain action or event.
The idiom "in the offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
The idiom "in the offing" is a commonly used expression in the English language. Native speakers understand its specific meaning, which is expected or likely to happen in the near future.
In the nick of time is an English idiom that describes an action or event that happens just in time to prevent something negative from occurring. It emphasizes the narrow margin or last-minute nature of the occurrence.
The idiom "hurry up and wait" means to rush or be quick to do something, only to have to wait for a long time for the desired outcome or result. It reflects the frustrating and often futile nature of constantly being in a state of urgency followed by a period of inactivity.
The idiom "high time" means that something should have happened or should be done immediately, as it is already late or long overdue.
The idiom "high time" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It indicates that something should have happened or been done already because it is long overdue. The phrase expresses a sense of urgency or necessity.
The idiom "get late" is used to describe a situation when something is taking longer to happen, progress or finish than originally expected or anticipated.
The idiom "eleventh hour" refers to the last possible moment or the final opportunity to do something before it is too late. It implies a sense of urgency and that time is running out.
The idiom "clock is ticking" means that time is running out or that there is a deadline approaching. It implies a sense of urgency and the need for action to be taken before it is too late.
The idiom "bide one's time" means to wait patiently for the right moment or opportunity.
Decoding the Classic Expression
The idiom "about time" has a long history in the English language, with its origins dating back at least to the 16th century. This commonly used expression is often employed to convey a sense of relief or satisfaction when something that has been anticipated for a while finally happens. It can also highlight the idea that something is overdue or should have occurred sooner.
One possible source of this idiom is the phrase "high time," which has been in use since the 14th century. "High time" conveys the notion that something is long overdue or becoming urgent. Another potential origin is the phrase "about time of day," which was used to inquire about the current time in the 15th century. This phrase eventually evolved into "about time," carrying a similar meaning.
The idiom "about time" is a versatile expression commonly heard in everyday conversations, written texts, and various forms of media. It is considered casual and can be used to express enthusiasm, impatience, or relief. You might encounter this idiom in personal interactions, discussions about punctuality, or in moments of frustration over delays or missed opportunities.
It's important to understand that the idiomatic meaning of "about time" should not be confused with its literal interpretation. While the individual words "about" and "time" have their own definitions, the combination of these words in this context creates a new, idiomatic meaning that cannot be deduced from their literal definitions.
A related idiom is "it's about time," which adds emphasis to the sense of relief or satisfaction expressed with the phrase "about time." This variation often signifies a stronger feeling of gladness or impatience that something has finally occurred. For example, if someone has been waiting for a friend to arrive for a long time, they might say, "It's about time you showed up!" to express their enthusiasm that the friend is finally there.
Another related idiom is "high time," as mentioned earlier. This variation carries a similar meaning to "about time" but emphasizes that something is long overdue or urgent. For instance, if someone repeatedly delays completing a task, someone else might say, "It's high time you finished that!" to communicate that the task should have been done earlier and is now becoming urgent.
The idiom "about to" is also connected to the concept of time. It signifies that something is going to happen soon or is on the verge of occurring. This phrase is often used when discussing future plans or actions. For example, if someone is getting ready to leave a party, they might say, "I'm about to head out" to indicate that they will be leaving soon.
Lastly, the idiom "any time now" is another expression linked to the idea of time. It conveys the sense that something is expected to happen imminently or very soon. This phrase often reflects a state of anticipation. An example usage could be, "The results of the test should be coming in any time now."
The idiom "about time" has a long history and is widely used in the English language. While its exact origins may remain unknown, its meaning and usage are well-established. Whether expressing relief, impatience, or frustration, this idiomatic expression adds depth and color to everyday conversations, showcasing the dynamic nature of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *about time* can be used in a sentence:
- It's about time you apologized to her for your rude behavior.
- He finally got a promotion at work, and it's about time too.
- About time we started saving money for our future.
More "Time" idioms
