Time Idioms

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the dead of night

Meaning: Refers to the quietest, darkest part of the night, usually around midnight or just after.

Example: He left the house in the dead of night to avoid being seen. Read more ➺


that ship has sailed

Meaning: Indicates that an opportunity is no longer available or possible.

Example: You should've applied last week — that ship has sailed. Read more ➺


seize the day

Meaning: Take full advantage of the present moment without worrying about the future.

Example: She decided to seize the day and booked a last-minute trip to Italy. Read more ➺


along the line

Meaning: Refers to a point or stage during a process, timeline, or sequence of events.

Example: Somewhere along the line, we must have lost the original plan. Read more ➺


dilly-dallying

Meaning: Engaging in activities that lead to unnecessary delays or wasting time by loitering or delaying.

Example: Stop dilly-dallying and finish your homework before dinner. Read more ➺


come a long way

Meaning: To achieve a much higher level of success than in the past. For example, an individual who began as a junior employee and is now a company executive has come a long way.

Example: She came a long way from her small-town beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur. Read more ➺


Sputnik moment

Meaning: A critical event that serves as a wake-up call, prompting urgent action.

Example: The breakthrough in AI development by another country was a Sputnik moment, urging the government to invest heavily in research. Read more ➺


on the spur of the moment

Meaning: Describes an action taken immediately without premeditation or planning, often based on sudden impulse or instinct.

Example: I decided to join the marathon on the spur of the moment, even though I hadn't trained. Read more ➺


around the corner

Meaning: An occurrence that is expected to happen very soon.

Example: The bakery is around the corner from my house. Read more ➺


let the dust settle

Meaning: waiting until a situation becomes clear or stable after a period of confusion or turmoil.

Example: After the argument, they decided to let the dust settle before talking again. Read more ➺


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