it’s about time: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘it's about time’ mean?
The idiom "it's about time" is used to express that something should have happened sooner or that someone is overdue for a certain action or event.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in the offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
The idiom "hurry up and wait" means to rush or be quick to do something, only to have to wait for a long time for the desired outcome or result. It reflects the frustrating and often futile nature of constantly being in a state of urgency followed by a period of inactivity.
The idiom "high time" means that something should have happened or should be done immediately, as it is already late or long overdue.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "had better" is used to advise or warn someone about a particular action they should take in order to avoid a negative outcome. It implies a sense of urgency or necessity, often indicating that there may be negative consequences if the suggested action is not followed.
The idiom "get late" is used to describe a situation when something is taking longer to happen, progress or finish than originally expected or anticipated.
The idiom "come to mention it" is used when someone suddenly remembers or brings up a particular topic or point during a conversation.
The idiom "come to an end" means that something, like an event or a period of time, is reaching its conclusion or finishing. It indicates the completion or termination of a particular situation or activity.
The idiom "clock is ticking" means that time is running out or that there is a deadline approaching. It implies a sense of urgency and the need for action to be taken before it is too late.
Epochal Revelation
"about time" is another widely used idiom that is closely related to "it's about time." It is often used to express the sentiment that something should have happened sooner or that the delay in its occurrence is frustrating or surprising. For example, if someone says "it's about time you got here," they are expressing the idea that the person's arrival was long-awaited or expected earlier.
Similarly, the phrase "high time" is often used interchangeably with "about time." It conveys a sense of urgency or necessity for something to happen. For instance, if someone says "it's high time we started working on this project," they are emphasizing the importance and timeliness of beginning the project immediately. The phrase suggests that there has been a significant delay and that action should be taken promptly.
Another related idiom is "about to," which signifies that something is going to happen very soon or is on the verge of occurring. It is often used to convey a sense of anticipation or readiness. For example, if someone says "I'm about to leave," they mean that they are ready to depart in the immediate future.
The idiom "about time" can be used to describe various situations and emotions. It can express relief, frustration, or excitement, depending on the context in which it is used. Its versatility allows it to be applied in both personal and professional settings, making it a valuable expression for native English speakers to communicate their feelings and expectations.
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Example usage
The idiom "it's about time" can be used in a variety of sentences. Here are three examples:
- It's about time you finished your homework.
- It's about time we went on vacation.
- It's about time he apologized for his behavior.
In these examples, the idiom is used to express the feeling that something should have happened sooner or that it is long overdue. It is often used when there is a sense of impatience or frustration that something took too long to occur. The phrase "it's about time" implies that the person speaking believes the action or event should have happened earlier.
More "Time" idioms
