Essential English Idioms with the Word Time
“I’m sorry! I can’t talk right now. I’m in a race against time.” And then he hung up the phone.
That’s what happened to a student of mine recently when she called an English-speaking colleague on the phone.
She had no idea why he hung up so fast and what he meant. So she sent me an email with the question, “What does race against time mean?”
What a great question! I thought you might like to know the answer as well. And it was the perfect question to add to this lesson on English idioms you need to know.
You need to know them because they’re extremely common with native speakers. Plus they’re perfect for business English and daily conversation.
In the video, I’ll share several idioms and examples to highlight how we use them in everyday English. When you’re finished, be sure to review the challenge questions I have for you below the video.
(Note: This lesson has been updated from the original published in May 2015. The update includes new idioms and a video.)
Idioms that are perfect for professional English and daily conversation.
Lesson by Annemarie
In the video, you learned how to best use the idioms:
- To be in a race against time
- There’s no time like the present
- Time is money
- Waste of time
And now I want to hear from you! I have several challenge questions for you this week. As always, the best place to share is in the comments below. Share your thoughts, read what others have to say, and get feedback from me.
So here are my questions for you:
- Have you ever had to race against time? If so, what happened? Were you successful in the end?
- Choose one of the idioms that is new for you. Use it in your own example sentence. Review the video if you need to confirm the meaning.
- Do you agree that time is money?
- What do you think is the biggest waste of time?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing with you!
~ Annemarie
Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English
Follow my 3-step solution to speak English with clarity, fluency, and freedom so you can say what you want with confidence.
You'll also get my Confident English lessons delivered by email every Wednesday and occasional information about available courses. You can unsubscribe any time.
More Like This
Learn English Phrasal Verbs Faster — 5 Minute Routine
Tired of forgetting English phrasal verbs the moment you need them? In this Confident English lesson, you’ll learn a 5-minute daily routine to make phrasal verbs stick—so you can remember them, use them naturally in real conversations, and finally stop second-guessing. Whether you need phrasal verbs for work, everyday conversations, or English speaking practice, this lesson gives you practical steps that fit your real life.
Sound Fluent & Professional: English Phrases for Meetings & Updates
Want to speak English more naturally at work? In this lesson, you’ll learn powerful English phrases for meetings and updates, including business phrasal verbs professionals use every day. Get the vocabulary and expressions you need to give confident project updates, explain delays clearly, and wrap up your message like a pro.
How to Give a Project Update in English at Work
Give a clear project update in English with a concise 3‑step framework. Get the phrases and structure to deliver professional project status reports confidently at work.
Professional Ways to Ask for Help in English (4-Step Formula)
Learn how to ask for help in English at work—without sounding unsure or unprepared. This 4-step formula gives you clear, professional phrases for meetings, emails, and team collaboration.
30+ English Phrases to Compliment Food Naturally and Politely
Learn 30+ natural English phrases for food and how to compliment food in English politely and sincerely. Perfect for dinner parties, eating out, and everyday English conversations.
Describe Food in English: The Ultimate List of Taste & Texture Vocabulary
Learn how to describe food in English with confident, natural vocabulary. Get taste and texture adjectives English speakers use in real conversations, from restaurants to everyday life.
© Copyright 2014-2025 Speak Confident English | Privacy Policy | Terms & Disclaimer | Online Class Policies
Hello,
For me a waste of time is spending your time on any activity which does not help you grow in any sense.
Great example with a waste of time, Agnieszka!! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi Annemarie,
every mornings I’m in a race against time. Every day I getting up early, I have to arrange everything until I come back to home from work that is to walk my sweety dog, prepare the dinner for both me and my sweety dog. In the evening there’s no time like present to learn and study on your online lessons, because I guess that the time is money and life is too short to waste the time.
Great job with those idioms, Valentina! I can see you’re enjoying (and definitely learning) from all the lessons on phrasal verbs and idioms here. That’s awesome.
I am in a race against time to deal with all things at the same time, finish my Loma course, work, and learning English. These are the most important things for me at present and I’m focusing on them to achieve my goals. I follow the Loma course to improve my knowledge and to develope my career. I work for pleasure and material support, and I learn English to speak fluently , correctly, and to improve my vocabulary
Dear Annemarie, It is a typical everyday phone answer from me during my medical service because approximately twenty-or thirty calls coming in daily, and I haven’t any short time to arrange all the troubles of patients, so I oft answer this nice idiom, that I’m racing against time, please call me later. Ther’s no time like the present making contact with you 🙂 I don’t like getting the waste of time and I’m constantly trying to deepen my English. I would like to stand in with your Advanced Conversation – Fluency School Level II in January (Presenting in English. Learn… Read more »
Hi Andras,
It’s great to hear from you. I’m glad that you’ve got some useful idioms to use in your daily English. 🙂 And it would be great to have you join us for the Advanced Conversations class. I’ll be sharing more about the January course soon.
A waste of time are our regrets about what we have done. Everything in life is an experience so better not to waste our time with such meaningless thoughts. Learn your lesson and move on.
Love this, Olha! You’ve shared some very wise words. Thank you.
HI.
My test will on 19th Nov.I am race against the tI’m to prepare for this English test.
Now I realize that time is money.I won’t waste my time, there is no time like present to practice for my test.
Great example with a race against time, Simarjit. I hope you did well on your exam!
Now I am in a rice againts time, but I love to have intensive tasks. I am an shief accountatnt, and most my task shoud be done not to day, not tomorrow, but they shoud done yesterday….
But all is ok. There’s no time like the present to do my work.
But Speak Confident dont waste my time, It is a big pleasure to have several minutes to have a rest with you. Thank you!
P.S I am form Lithuania, small city Panevėžys
Well done getting practice with these idioms, Jurgita. I like that you’ve also used the expression “they should have been done yesterday.” It’s great to have you join from Lithuania!!!