bankers’ hours: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bankers' hours’ mean?
Bankers' hours refers to a limited or reduced work schedule, typically from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, that is associated with bankers and financial institutions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "hour of need" refers to a critical moment or a time when one is in desperate need of help or support.
The idiom "golden years" refers to the time in a person's life when they are retired and able to enjoy leisure activities, usually associated with financial security and freedom from work obligations.
The idiom "finest hour" refers to a moment of great achievement or performance, when someone exhibits their utmost excellence or demonstrates exceptional qualities.
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 "early bird" refers to a person who wakes up or starts something early in the morning. It suggests being prompt, diligent, and taking advantage of opportunities. The phrase is often used to praise someone's productivity or punctuality.
The idiom "day lark" refers to someone who is energetic and active during the daytime, but lacks enthusiasm or energy during the evening or night. This phrase is often used to describe individuals who prefer to be productive and engaged in activities during daylight hours.
The idiom "day in, day out" means consistently or without interruption, typically referring to a repetitive or monotonous daily routine or task.
The idiom "daily grind" refers to the everyday routine or monotonous tasks of one's job or life.
The idiom "close season" refers to a specific period of time, usually in hunting or fishing, when certain activities are prohibited or restricted. It is a time when conservation efforts are prioritized to protect the population of a particular species.
The idiom "clock in" means to record one's arrival at work by using a time clock or other timekeeping system. It refers to the act of officially starting one's working hours.
Timekeeping Secrets
Bankers' hours is an idiomatic expression used in the United States to describe a limited work schedule, particularly in the context of traditional bank operating hours. It implies that bankers work shorter hours compared to other professions, often ending their workdays at mid-afternoon. The phrase dates back to the early 20th century when many banks operated for only a few hours a day.
During that time, banks typically opened from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. This limited window of operation was influenced by cultural norms, the absence of modern technological advancements, and a desire to align banking hours with the schedules of other businesses. While it was practical at the time, this practice led to the perception of bankers' limited work hours.
Originally, the term "bankers' hours" carried a negative connotation, implying a lack of dedication or effort on the part of bankers. It contrasted the working hours of other professions, which typically involved longer hours and greater commitment. However, the idiom has evolved over time and now extends beyond the banking sector.
Today, "bankers' hours" is used more broadly to describe any profession or industry with limited working hours or a perceived lack of effort, commitment, or accessibility. This idiom has become firmly entrenched in American English, often used to criticize or mock individuals or organizations seen as not working as hard or being as available as others.
Despite its negative implications, the idiom also reflects societal attitudes and expectations surrounding work-life balance. It emphasizes the importance placed on personal time and leisure, which is viewed positively in a culture that values a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. However, it also perpetuates the assumption that shorter work hours equate to a lack of dedication or commitment, which may not always be true in modern times.
The idiom "bankers' hours" is related to other idioms such as "banker's dozen" and "busman's holiday." These idioms share the theme of limited or non-traditional work schedules.
The term "banker's dozen" is a play on the traditional baker's dozen, which refers to thirteen instead of the usual twelve. In the context of bankers, it humorously suggests that a "banker's dozen" would be less than twelve, indicating their reputation for working shorter hours.
On the other hand, the idiom "busman's holiday" refers to a worker spending their time off doing activities related to their regular job. For example, a bus driver going on a sightseeing tour during their vacation. In relation to bankers' hours, it implies that bankers may not fully disconnect from work during their time off, further reinforcing the perception of their limited work hours.
The idiom "bankers' hours" originated from the limited work hours of banks in the early 20th century. It has since evolved to encompass a broader meaning, characterizing professions or industries with abbreviated or non-traditional work schedules. While it carries a negative connotation of reduced effort or commitment, it also reflects societal attitudes towards work-life balance. The related idioms "banker's dozen" and "busman's holiday" further emphasize the theme of limited or non-traditional work schedules.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom bankers' hours can be used in a sentence:
- She was frustrated with her new job because they had bankers' hours and closed early every day.
- I couldn't meet my friend for lunch on a weekday because I had to work bankers' hours and couldn't leave my office until 5 pm.
- The store's limited operating hours made it seem like they were keeping bankers' hours rather than catering to customer needs.
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