| Idiom/Saying | Explanation |
|---|---|
On the dot. For example:- On New Year's Eve we always open the champagne on the dot of midnight. |
At a precise time. |
Overtime For example:- I told my boss I would do any overtime, I want to save up for my holiday. |
The time we work in addition to what is normal. Overtime is either paid, or unpaid. |
To not give someone the time of day. For example:- I don't know why you spend so much time with him. I wouldn't even give him the time of day. |
To refuse to speak to someone because you do not like them or because you think you are better than them. |
To pass the time of day. For example:- It's important to pass the time of day with your colleagues. |
To have a short conversation with someone about things which are not important |
The early bird catches the worm. For example:- "I'll go to work early tomorrow. After all, the early bird catches the worm." |
If you do something in a timely manner you will succeed. |
A stitch in time saves nine. For example:- You need to get the leak fixed before it gets bigger. A stitch in time saves nine. |
If you fix a small problem right away, it will not become a bigger problem later. |
Full-time For example:- My niece went back to full-time work 3 months after having her first baby. |
The whole of someone's available working time, typically 40 hours in a week, |
Part-time For example:- There are more part-time jobs nowadays. |
Employment with fewer hours per week than a full-time job. |
To be on time. For example:- We managed to finish the project on time. |
If you're on time you arrive or do something before or by a stated time |
To buy time. For example:- The policeman tried to reason with him in order to buy time until backup arrived, |
To postpone an event hoping that the situation will improve. |
To call time. For example:- We had to drink up when he called time. |
What happens when a publican signals that it is closing time at the pub. |
To do time. For example:- It's hard for people who have done time to get a job. |
To be imprisoned. |
To give someone a hard time. For example:- I always give my students a hard time if they haven't done their homework. |
To criticize someone and make them feel guilty about something that they have (or haven't) done. |
To have the time of your life. For example:- I had the time of my life at the party. |
To enjoy yourself - a lot. |
To not give someone the time of day. For example:- I don't know why you spend so much time with him. I wouldn't even give him the time of day. |
To refuse to speak to someone because you do not like them or because you think you are better than them. |
To pass the time of day. For example:- It's important to pass the time of day with your colleagues. |
To have a short conversation with someone about things which are not important |
To run out of time. For example:- I ran out of time before I could finish the exam. |
To have no time left. |
The time is ripe. For example:- The people decided the time was ripe for a revolution. |
A good time to do something or for something to happen. |
Take your time. For example:- I decided not to rush, so I took my time and made sure the job was done properly. |
To not rush. |
Time in lieu For example:- I worked two bank holidays, and I got two days off in lieu, but I would have preferred the cash. |
Time off instead of, or in addition to, receiving pay for overtime worked or working on public or bank holidays. |
Time off. For example:- I decided to take some time off to visit my family. |
To have a period of time free from employment |
Time out. For example:- You've been on that computer for hours. Time out! Sometimes used to break up a fight. For example:- The moderator called time out, when he saw the argument was getting out of hand. |
Time when you rest away from your usual work or studies.
(Not to be confused with "out of time".) |
Time's up. For example:- The game finished because my time was up and I needed to pay to play on. |
Used to show an activity is finished. |
9-5 For example:- She has a 9-5 job, but she never complains. |
A conventional and possibly tedious job. |
| More idioms and sayings | |
