not a minute too soon: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘not a minute too soon’ mean?
The idiom "not a minute too soon" means that something happens or arrives at the exact time needed, often just before it would have been too late or after a long wait.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "this minute" means immediately or without any delay. It implies that the action or event being referred to needs to happen right away, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the situation.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
An idiom, "one moment," is often used to ask for a brief pause or to indicate a short delay in a conversation or an action.
The idiom "of late" refers to something that has occurred or been happening in the recent or immediate past.
The idiom "nut-cutting time" refers to the critical moment when decisive action needs to be taken in order to achieve a desired outcome.
The idiom "now or never" means that something must be done immediately or it will never be possible to do it. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action without delay.
The idiom "now and then" is used to describe something that happens occasionally or infrequently, but not on a regular basis.
The idiom "not likely" means something is improbable or unlikely to happen.
The idiom "not in a million years" means that something is extremely unlikely to happen or be true.
Perfectly Timed Arrival
The idiom "not a minute too soon" is a commonly used phrase in English. It expresses relief or satisfaction when an event or action happens at the perfect moment, just before it would have been too late. This idiom is related to several other idioms that convey a similar sense of timing, such as "high time," "in the nick of time," "any time now," and "it's about time."
The phrase "high time" is used to indicate that something should have happened earlier and is now overdue. It emphasizes that the action or event should have occurred before the present moment. When we say "not a minute too soon," we are highlighting the fact that the event or action happened at the last possible moment, avoiding being overdue or delayed. In other words, it happened in "high time."
"In the nick of time" has a similar meaning to "not a minute too soon" and is often used interchangeably. It suggests that an event or action happened at the very last moment, just before disaster or a negative outcome. Both idioms convey a sense of relief or gratitude for the perfect timing of the event or action.
"Any time now" is a phrase used to indicate that something is expected to happen soon, without specifying an exact time. It implies that the event or action could occur at any moment. When we say "not a minute too soon," we are affirming that the event or action happened at the perfect moment, making it clear that it could have happened "any time now."
"It's about time" is used to express frustration or impatience that something took too long to happen. It suggests that the event or action should have occurred earlier. When we say "not a minute too soon," we are emphasizing that the event or action happened at the right moment, indicating that "it's about time" it finally occurred.
Each of these idioms shares a common theme of timing and emphasizes the importance of an event or action happening at a particular moment. "Not a minute too soon" captures this sentiment by highlighting the relief or satisfaction when something occurs just before it is too late or misses its intended outcome. It is a powerful phrase that concisely conveys the significance of timing in our lives.
As an experienced Editor for HubSpot, it is essential to recognize the impact of idiomatic expressions and use them effectively in written work. By understanding the nuances and meanings of idioms such as "not a minute too soon," you can enhance the clarity and coherence of articles. The use of idioms in a conversational style creates a friendly and informal tone, engaging readers and improving the overall readability of the content.
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The idiom "not a minute too soon" is a powerful expression that conveys relief or satisfaction at the perfect timing of an event or action. It shares a common theme with other idiomatic expressions such as "high time," "in the nick of time," "any time now," and "it's about time." Each of these idioms emphasizes the importance of timing and the impact it has on our lives. As an experienced Editor, it is crucial to recognize the significance of idioms and use them effectively to improve the clarity, coherence, and readability of articles.
Throughout history, idiomatic expressions have played a vital role in language and communication. They capture the essence of cultural nuances and convey complex ideas in a concise and impactful manner. "Not a minute too soon" is a prime example of an idiom that has stood the test of time and continues to be used today. Its origins may remain unknown, but its widespread usage and understanding illustrate its cultural significance.
As language continues to evolve, it is fascinating to consider the lasting impact of idioms and the ways in which they shape our expression and understanding of the world around us. By incorporating idioms like "not a minute too soon" into your editing work, you can enhance the effectiveness and readability of articles, engaging and informing readers in a friendly and informal manner.
Example usage
1. She finished her exam just in time, not a minute too soon.
2. The rescue team arrived at the scene of the accident not a minute too soon.
3. They managed to catch the last train of the day not a minute too soon.
More "Timing" idioms
