matter of time
matter of time (idiom)
/ˈmædɚ ʌv taɪm/
Meaning
- Inevitable: Something that is certain to happen at some point in the future, even if the exact moment is unknown.
- Unavoidable: An event or outcome that cannot be prevented, only delayed.
- Eventually: Indicating that an anticipated event will certainly occur, given enough time, rather than immediately.
- Ultimately: Signifying that something will, in the end, come to pass as expected.
- Sooner or Later: Expressing the certainty of an event’s occurrence within an unspecified timeframe.
Synonyms: inevitable; imminent; unavoidable; destined; expected; pending.
Example Sentences
- It’s only a matter of time before they announce their engagement.
- The way the clouds are forming, it’s a matter of time before it rains.
- Given how fast the company is growing, success is a matter of time.
- After ignoring the warning signs, it was just a matter of time before the system crashed.
- His bad habits make it only a matter of time before he faces consequences.
- With the ongoing negotiations, a deal is a matter of time, not possibility.
Origin and History
The Core Concept: “Matter” and “Time” Individually
To understand the idiom’s origin, it’s essential to look at its constituent words. The word “matter” has a long history, stemming from the Latin “materia,” meaning “wood” or “physical substance.” Over time, it evolved to refer to a subject, issue, or concern. In this context, “a matter of” implies that something pertains to or is an issue of a particular thing.
“Time,” as we know, is a fundamental concept, a continuous progression of existence and events. Its measurement and perception have been central to human understanding for millennia. The combination of “matter” with “time” suggests that the issue at hand is intrinsically linked to the passage of time.
Theory 1: Gradual Linguistic Evolution and Common Sense
One prevailing theory suggests that “a matter of time” didn’t emerge from a single Eureka moment but rather evolved naturally from the existing usage of “matter” to denote a subject or concern. As early English speakers discussed events that were bound to happen, they might have naturally combined “matter” with “time” to express this inevitability.
Think of it as a logical extension of expressing that something is “a matter of fact” or “a matter of principle.” If something is undeniably true (a matter of fact), and something will undeniably happen with the passage of time, it becomes “a matter of time.” This theory posits a gradual, organic development within the language itself, without a specific inventor or seminal text.
Theory 2: The Influence of Philosophical Thought
Another perspective, more speculative, links the phrase’s origin to philosophical discussions about destiny, fate, and the deterministic nature of events. Ancient Greek philosophers, for instance, pondered the concept of ananke (necessity or fate). While not a direct linguistic link, the underlying idea that certain events are predetermined or bound to occur could have subtly influenced the way people expressed inevitability through language. If an outcome is seen as an unchangeable part of the temporal progression, then its occurrence is merely “a matter of time.”
Theory 3: Connections to Legal and Formal Language
The word “matter” itself has a strong presence in legal and formal contexts, referring to specific cases or subjects under consideration. Phrases like “the matter in hand” or “a matter for the courts” are common. It’s plausible that the formal and decisive tone of such legalistic phrasing might have contributed to the sense of certainty embedded in “a matter of time.” If a legal “matter” is resolved, it’s a definite outcome; similarly, if something is a “matter of time,” its outcome is equally certain.
Where Did It First Appear?
While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single country of origin with absolute certainty due to the phrase’s organic development, its widespread use and documented early appearances suggest an origin in English-speaking countries, likely Great Britain. English idioms often reflect the cultural and linguistic trends of their place of origin, and “a matter of time” fits well within the analytical and sometimes understated nature of English expression.
The Earliest Printed Record
Pinpointing the absolute earliest printed record of “a matter of time” is challenging, as idiom usage often predates formal written documentation. However, academic and linguistic databases commonly cite appearances in the 18th century. One frequently referenced early example appears in Henry Fielding’s novel, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, published in 1749.
In this work, the phrase “it was only a matter of time” is used in a way that clearly conveys its modern meaning of inevitability. This suggests that by the mid-18th century, the idiom was already established enough to be used in popular literature, indicating an earlier, perhaps unrecorded, period of spoken usage and gradual integration into the written language.
The journey of “a matter of time” from a collection of individual words to a widely understood idiom is a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of language. While its precise birthplace remains somewhat shrouded in the mists of time itself, its enduring presence in our vocabulary underscores its utility in expressing the certainty of things to come.
Variants
- matter of minutes / days / weeks / time only
- only a matter of time
- just a matter of time
Share your opinions