Time and Money Idioms
Time and money are two things everyone thinks about - no wonder there are so many idioms about them!
Time Idioms
Time flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly
- Time flies when you’re having fun!
- I can’t believe it’s December already - time flies!
- Look how big she’s grown - time really flies.
Kill time
Meaning: To do something to pass time while waiting
- I’m just killing time until my flight.
- We played cards to kill time.
- She reads magazines to kill time at the doctor’s office.
In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time, at the last possible moment
- We arrived in the nick of time - the show just started!
- Help arrived in the nick of time.
- I finished the project in the nick of time.
Around the clock
Meaning: 24 hours a day, continuously
- Hospitals operate around the clock.
- The team worked around the clock to meet the deadline.
- Our helpline is available around the clock.
Beat the clock
Meaning: To finish before the deadline
- We managed to beat the clock and submit on time.
- Can you beat the clock and finish before noon?
Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable, don’t waste it
- Let’s get started - time is money!
- In business, time is money.
- Stop chatting - time is money!
Famous quote: “Remember that time is money” - Benjamin Franklin, 1748
Ahead of time
Meaning: Before the expected time, early
- Please arrive ahead of time for your interview.
- I finished the project ahead of time.
- We prepared everything ahead of time.
Behind the times
Meaning: Old-fashioned, not modern
- His views are a bit behind the times.
- This technology is behind the times.
- Don’t be behind the times - update your skills!
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely
- I only see him once in a blue moon.
- Once in a blue moon, she eats meat.
- Great opportunities come once in a blue moon.
Money Idioms
Money doesn’t grow on trees
Meaning: Money is not easy to get, be careful with spending
- You can’t have everything - money doesn’t grow on trees!
- I can’t buy you another phone - money doesn’t grow on trees.
- Kids need to learn that money doesn’t grow on trees.
Break the bank
Meaning: To cost too much, to use all your money
- A nice dinner doesn’t have to break the bank.
- That vacation won’t break the bank.
- The repairs will break the bank.
Worth its weight in gold
Meaning: Extremely valuable or useful
- Good advice is worth its weight in gold.
- A reliable employee is worth their weight in gold.
- That tool is worth its weight in gold.
Penny wise, pound foolish
Meaning: Saving small amounts but wasting large amounts
- Buying cheap tools that break is penny wise, pound foolish.
- Skipping maintenance is penny wise, pound foolish.
A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: What are you thinking about?
- You’re very quiet - a penny for your thoughts?
- A penny for your thoughts, dear?
British origin: This idiom uses “penny” but is used in both British and American English. The American equivalent “a cent for your thoughts” is rarely used.
Cost a pretty penny
Meaning: To be very expensive
- That watch must have cost a pretty penny.
- Renovations cost a pretty penny.
- Quality education costs a pretty penny these days.
Put your money where your mouth is
Meaning: To support your words with action or money
- If you believe in the cause, put your money where your mouth is.
- Don’t just talk - put your money where your mouth is.
Money talks
Meaning: Money has power and influence
- In politics, money talks.
- Money talks - the highest bidder usually wins.
Foot the bill
Meaning: To pay for something, especially for others
- My company footed the bill for the conference.
- Parents often foot the bill for weddings.
- Who’s going to foot the bill for this?
Burn a hole in your pocket
Meaning: Money you’re eager to spend
- His bonus is burning a hole in his pocket.
- Don’t let that money burn a hole in your pocket - save some!
From rags to riches
Meaning: From poverty to wealth
- It’s a classic rags to riches story.
- She went from rags to riches through hard work.
- The company’s rags to riches journey is inspiring.
Time + Money Combined
Time is running out
Meaning: There’s very little time left
- Hurry! Time is running out!
- Time is running out to register for the event.
Money well spent
Meaning: A good investment, worth the price
- That course was money well spent.
- Quality products are usually money well spent.