have a lot of time for: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘have a lot of time for’ mean?

The idiom "have a lot of time for" means to have a great deal of respect or admiration for someone or something.

Idiom Explorer

Decoding Time's Allure

The idiom 'have a lot of time for' is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to express a feeling of respect or admiration for someone or something. This idiom can also be used in a negative or sarcastic manner to indicate disapproval or a lack of respect.

The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the 19th century. It is derived from the concept of allocating time towards a particular person or activity. In this context, 'time' can be understood as one's attention, consideration, or regard.

When someone says they 'have a lot of time for' another person, it means they hold that person in high regard and have a favorable opinion of them. They value and respect their qualities, achievements, or character. For example, if a friend says, "I have a lot of time for Jane," it implies that the friend admires and respects Jane.

Lots of free time allows for high regard and admiration.

The idiom 'have a lot of time for' can also be used to express admiration for an activity, object, or idea. It is a way of saying that one appreciates and values something. For instance, someone might say, "I have a lot of time for art," indicating their fondness and appreciation for the subject.

It is important to note that this idiom is typically used in spoken or informal language. It carries a conversational tone and is commonly used in everyday speech to express opinions about individuals or things. It is not commonly used in formal writing.

The idiom 'have no time for' is related to 'have a lot of time for' in a contrasting way. While 'have a lot of time for' expresses admiration and respect, 'have no time for' indicates a lack of regard or interest in someone or something. When someone says they 'have no time for' another person or activity, it means they do not value or appreciate them. For example, if someone says, "I have no time for people who are always late," it means they disapprove of individuals who consistently display tardiness.

Another related idiom is 'make time'. 'Make time' is the act of setting aside time specifically for someone or something. It implies that the person is willing to prioritize and allocate time for that person or activity. When someone says they will 'make time' for another person, it means they are willing to prioritize their relationship and invest the necessary time and effort. This idiom can also be used to express the act of creating or finding time for a particular activity or task. For example, if someone says, "I will make time to exercise," it means they are committed to finding the time to incorporate exercise into their schedule.

The idiom 'have a lot of time for' is a widely recognized expression used to convey respect, admiration, or a favorable opinion towards someone or something. It has its roots in the concept of allocating time and attention towards a particular entity. While this idiom is primarily used in spoken language, its usage has become common in informal writing as well.

Example usage

Examples:

  1. I have a lot of time for my sister, she's always there for me when I need her.
  2. He has a lot of time for learning new skills, he is constantly seeking opportunities to grow.
  3. We have a lot of time for our boss, she is always supportive and understanding.

More "Appreciation" idioms

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