Time Idioms

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the party is over

Meaning: The carefree stretch is finished and it is time to face reality or own up to what comes next.

Example: After three years of fat bonuses and late nights out, the new boss walked in and everyone felt it at once — the party is over. Read more ➺


touch grass

Meaning: To get off your phone or computer and actually go outside for a while

Example: Jake had been arguing in comment threads since breakfast, so Mike finally told him to touch grass and take a walk around the park. Read more ➺


candle in the wind

Meaning: Something or someone that shines for a moment but is weak and can be wiped out at any time.

Example: After the bigger company entered the deal, Jake knew his small shop was a candle in the wind. Read more ➺


cut it close

Meaning: When you just barely succeed at something, usually because you left almost no time or room for anything to go wrong.

Example: We left the house with only ten minutes to spare and really cut it close, sliding into our seats just as the movie trailers started rolling. Read more ➺


cold creep

Meaning: The slow way a material gradually changes shape when it's kept under constant pressure or stress, even at fairly low temperatures.

Example: Under constant load the metal slowly began to bend—cold creep was clearly at work. Read more ➺


canon event

Meaning: A life-changing experience that shapes a person's character or future.

Example: Failing his first driving test became a canon event that made him a more careful driver. Read more ➺


the GOAT

Meaning: The greatest person ever in a particular field or activity.

Example: Tom is often called the GOAT in football because of his many championships. Read more ➺


time and tide wait for no man

Meaning: Time never stops for anyone; it keeps moving forward.

Example: Time and tide wait for no man, so he submitted his application before the deadline. Read more ➺


ebb and flow

Meaning: A regular increase and decrease in something over time.

Example: The stock market shows the ebb and flow of investor confidence throughout the year. Read more ➺


moment of truth

Meaning: A critical point when the real facts become known.

Example: The moment of truth came when the jury announced its final decision in court. Read more ➺


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