Sayings that Include the Word ‘Time’: Part I

There are many common sayings that are uttered all over the country relating to a wide range of things. There are also a surprising number that include the word ‘time’. Whether you need more time or are living on borrowed time, these are all common sayings based around the premise of time. Chances are you will have said all of them on this list and you may have already said one today. Here’s part one of our look at sayings that include the word ‘Time’.

In the nick of time – web definition: at the last possible moment; "she was saved in the nick of time"

To do something as late as possible is to do something ‘in the nick of time’. Examples include scoring a winning goal in a football match in the last seconds, arriving at a train station just before the train leaves and avoiding an accident such as getting hit by a car at just the last second.

A stitch in time (saves nine) – web definition: a timely effort will prevent more work later.

This means to deal with a problem now rather than later as not doing it may lead to it becoming more of a problem and therefore longer to deal with at a later date. It is thought to relate to fixing a small hole in an item of clothing by stitching once now instead of letting the hole get bigger and having to stitch it more.

Living on borrowed time – web definition: living after the time you would have expected to have died

This phrase relates to someone living longer than they were expected to. This could be either from old age or by surviving a disease longer than the doctors had given.

Just in time – web definition: see ‘in the nick of time’

Simple this one. To get somewhere ‘just in time’ means to be there just before the time you’re meant to, so essentially it’s the same as ‘in the nick of time’.