This lesson trains 44 C2 idioms on Time. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
Take a rain check
To postpone an invitation or offer until a later time.
She could not attend the dinner but asked to be invited another time.
Live on borrowed time
To continue living or existing longer than expected, usually after a serious threat.
After the serious heart attack, the doctors said he was ____.
Down the line
In the future.
The manager promised to review salaries again in a few months.
All in all
Considering everything; on the whole.
Despite some delays and minor issues, the conference was a great success.
In dribs and drabs
In small, irregular amounts or groups.
The guests arrived slowly and not all at once.
Ad infinitum
Continuing for an infinitely long time or without limit.
The meeting dragged on with endless discussions that never reached a conclusion.
In the dead of night
In the middle of the night when it is very quiet and dark.
The emergency call came at three o'clock in the morning.
It's not over until the fat lady sings.
The outcome is not certain until the very end.
The team was behind but still had time to win the match.
Water under the bridge
Something that happened in the past and should no longer affect the present.
They had argued years ago but decided it was no longer important.
At first glance
When looking at something for the first time.
The report seemed complete, but closer examination revealed several errors.
As quick as a flash
Extremely fast.
The child solved the puzzle in seconds.
All in good time
Something will happen when the right moment arrives; be patient.
The team wanted immediate results, but the manager reminded them that proper preparation was essential.
Little by little
Gradually; in small amounts.
The savings account grew slowly over many years.
Come to a standstill
To stop completely.
Traffic on the motorway stopped completely because of the accident.
The halcyon days
A period of peace, happiness, and prosperity.
The early years of the company were full of growth and optimism.
At this moment in time
Now; at the present time.
The manager could not give a definite answer immediately.
Can count sth on the fingers of one hand
There are very few of something.
She had visited the country only a couple of times in her life.
Hang fire
To delay taking action.
The committee decided to wait before making the final decision.
Fall off the radar
To disappear from notice or attention.
After the product launch the marketing team stopped receiving updates.
The good old days
A time in the past that is remembered fondly.
People often talk nostalgically about life before modern technology.
Be no spring chicken
To no longer be young.
She had been working in the industry for over thirty years.
Sb's days are numbered
Someone or something will not continue much longer.
The old factory was losing money every month and would soon close.
If and it's a big if
Used to emphasize that something is very uncertain.
The project might be approved, but only under very strict conditions.
Rome wasn't built in a day.
Important work takes time and cannot be rushed.
The software project required months of careful development.
From the cradle to the grave
From birth until death; for the whole of a person's life.
The new pension system aimed to support citizens throughout their entire lives.
Round the clock
All day and all night without stopping.
The emergency services operated continuously during the crisis.
Eleventh-hour
At the last possible moment.
The agreement was signed just before the deadline expired.
At all hours
At any time of the day or night; constantly.
The emergency hotline had to be staffed continuously due to the crisis.
In the twinkling of an eye
Very quickly or suddenly.
The magician made the rabbit disappear almost instantly.
Up-to-the-minute
Extremely recent or current.
The news website provided the latest updates on the election.
On a weekly basis
Happening regularly every week.
The team held progress meetings every Monday without exception.
By and large
On the whole; generally.
The trip was enjoyable despite a few small problems.
So far, so good.
Everything has been satisfactory up to now.
The first phase of the project had been completed without problems.
Right off the bat
Immediately; at once.
The new employee solved the technical problem on his very first day.
Dead and buried
Completely finished and no longer relevant.
The old contract had expired years ago and all obligations were gone.
From the word go
From the very beginning.
The project faced problems right from the start.
Cast your mind back
To think back to a time in the past.
The witness was asked to remember the exact sequence of events from the accident two years earlier.
Run its course
To continue until it finishes naturally.
The illness had to be allowed to develop and end without interference.
In the main
Mostly; on the whole.
The trip was enjoyable despite a few small problems.
When all's said and done
After everything has been considered or finished.
Despite the initial problems, the project was completed on time and within budget.
A twinkle in your father's eye
A time before you were born or conceived.
Long before she was born, her parents had already planned her education.
At one fell swoop
All at once or in a single action.
The new law changed several regulations simultaneously.
Until the cows come home
For a very long time or forever.
We could argue about this point ____ and still not agree.
Time after time
Repeatedly or on many occasions.
Despite numerous warnings, the same mistake kept occurring in the production process.