time

Word family  noun time overtime timer timing timelessness adjective timeless timely ≠ untimely verb time adverb timelessly

 Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++朗文当代英语 5++LDOCE 5++朗文 5++

Related topics: Chronology, Music

time1 /taɪm/ ●●● S1 W1 noun  1  minutes/hours etc 分钟/小时等 [uncountable]TMC the thing that is measured in minutes, hours, days, years etc using clocks 时间 Einstein changed the way we think about space and time. 爱因斯坦改变了我们的时空概念。 close relationships established over a long period of time 长期建立起来的亲密关系 Customers have only a limited amount of time to examine the goods. 顾客只有有限的时间可以检查商品。time passes/goes by Their marriage got better as time went by. 随着时间的推移，他们的婚姻越来越和美。► see thesaurus at period2  on a clock 在钟表上 [singular]TIME/WHAT TIME IS IT a particular point in time shown on a clock in hours and minutes 〔钟表上显示的〕时间，钟点，时刻 ‘What time is it?’ ‘It’s about two thirty.’ “几点了？”“2点半左右。” What time are you going out tonight? 你今晚什么时候出去？what time do you make it? British English, what time do you have? American English (=used to ask someone with a watch what time it is) 你的表几点了？have you got the time? British English, do you have the time? American English (=used to ask someone if they know what time it is) 你知道几点了吗？tell the time British English, tell time American English (=be able to understand a clock) 识钟表 Robin’s just learning to tell the time. 罗宾正在学看钟表。look at the time (=used when you realize that it is later than you thought it was) 看看已经几点了〔表示比想象的要晚〕 Oh no. Look at the time. I’ll be late. 哦，坏了，你看都几点了。我要迟到了。is that the time? (=used when you suddenly realize what the time is) 都这个时候啦？ Is that the time? I must go. 都这个时候啦？我得走了。this time tomorrow/last week etc By this time tomorrow I’ll know whether I’ve got the job. 明天这个时候我就知道我是否得到这份工作了。3  occasion 时候 [countable]TIME/AT A PARTICULAR TIME an occasion when something happens or someone does something 次，回 That was the only time we disagreed. 那是我们唯一一次意见有分歧。 Do you remember the time I hit Tom Benson? 你还记得那次我打汤姆•本森的事吗？ Mary had seen the film many times. 玛丽已看过这部电影许多次。(for) the first/second/last etc time 第一次/第二次/下一次/上一次等 It was the first time that he had lost a game. 这是他第一次输掉比赛。 Gerry had just had back surgery for the third time in two years. 格里刚做了背部手术，这是两年里的第三次。(the) next time/(the) last time/this time 第一次/第二次/下一次/上一次等 Why don’t you drop in for a drink next time you’re over this way? 你下次路过进来喝一杯怎么样？ The last time (=the most recent time) I saw Jonathan was Thursday evening. 我上次看到乔纳森是在星期四晚上。 The freezing weather did not return until February but this time we were prepared. 直到2月份天气再次寒冷起来，不过这次我们做好了准备。the first/second/next/last etc time round (=the first, second etc time something happens) 第一次/第二次/下一次/上一次等 I missed their concert the first time round so I’m going next week. 我错过了他们的第一次音乐会，所以下周我要去听。every/each time I meet up with Julie every time I go to Washington. 我每次到华盛顿都和朱莉见面。how many times ... ? How many times did you take your driving test? 你考了几次驾照？ How many times have I told you not to wander off like that? (=I have told you many times) 我告诉过你多少次不要那样乱跑？ One time (=once) I went to a garage sale and bought fifteen books. 有一次我去了旧物售卖会，买回15本书。n GrammarYou say: The first time I saw it, I loved it. 我该喂狗了。 ✗Don’t say: At the first time I saw it, I loved it.4  point when STH happens 某事发生的时间点TIME/AT A PARTICULAR TIME [countable, uncountable] the particular minute, hour, day etc when something happens or should happen 〔某事发生或应该发生的〕具体时刻at the time of something She was three months pregnant at the time of Stephen’s death. 斯蒂芬去世时，她怀孕三个月了。at some/any/that time He is performing as well as at any time in his career. 他表现出色，一如他事业生涯中的任何一个时候。 The UK has 500,000 stray dogs on its streets at any one time (=at any particular time). 任何时候英国大街上都有50万条流浪狗。at a/the time when ... At the time when this scheme was introduced, it was recognised that there might be problems. 这个计划刚刚启动的时候，大家就意识到可能会有问题。by the time ... The phone was ringing but by the time she got indoors, it had stopped. 电话铃在响，但是等到她进了门又不响了。it’s time to do something Rosie – it’s time to get up. 罗茜——该起床了。it’s time for something Come on, it’s time for bed. 快点，该睡觉了。 He glanced at his watch. ‘It’s time for me to go.’ 他看了一眼手表说:“我该走了。”it’s time somebody did something It’s time I fed the dog. 我该喂狗了。 Now is the right time for us to move to London. 现在正是我们搬到伦敦去的好时机。a good/bad time This might be a good time to start planning the new garden. 也许这个时候开始规划新花园正好。not the time/hardly the time Now is not the time to annoy Peter. 这个时候不能惹彼得生气。there’s no time like the present (=used to say that now is a good time to do something) 再没有比现在更好的时间 ‘ ‘When do you want to meet?’ ‘Well, there’s no time like the present.’ “你想什么时候见面？”“嗯，再没有比现在更好的时间了。”dinner/lunch/tea etc time It’s nearly dinner time. 快到吃晚饭的时间了。opening/closing time (=the time when a shop, bar etc opens or closes) 〔商店、酒吧等的〕开门/关门时间 We empty the till each night at closing time. 每晚打烊时我们都把现金出纳机清空。arrival/departure time (=the time when a train, plane etc arrives or leaves) 〔火车、飞机等的〕到达/出发时间 Our estimated arrival time is 2:30 pm. 我们预计到达时间为下午2时30分。time of day/year England is so lovely at this time of year. 每年这个时候英格兰的景色都非常迷人。 We’ll sort that out when the time comes (=when it becomes necessary). 必要时我们会解决的。5  period of time 一段时间PERIOD OF TIME [singular, uncountable] a period of time during which something happens or someone does something 一段时间；某段日子 Dustin wanted to spend as much time as possible with his family. 达斯廷想尽可能多花时间和家人在一起。a long/short/limited time I first met Jennifer a long time ago. 我第一次遇见珍妮弗是在很久以前。 They stopped for a short time to rest the horses. 他们稍停了一会儿，让马歇口气。 Andy and Tom talked for some time (=for a fairly short period). 安迪和汤姆谈了一会儿。 Alison was married, for a time (=for a fairly short period), to a comedian. 艾莉森曾和一位喜剧演员有过一段短暂的婚姻。 Martin disliked being away from his family for any length of time (=for more than just a short period). 马丁不喜欢离家太久。 It took her a long time to make a decision. 她花了很长时间才作出决定。 Learning a language isn’t easy – it takes time (=takes a long period of time). 学一门语言不容易——这需要时间。take time to do something (=deliberately spend time doing something) 抽时间做某事 While in New York he took time to visit some friends. 在纽约时，他抽时间拜访了一些朋友。travel time I wanted to make better use of my travel time. 我想更好地利用旅行的时间。6  available time 可利用的时间TIME/HOW LONG [uncountable] an amount of time that is available for you to do something 〔可以利用的〕时间 I’ll visit him if I have time. 如果有时间我会去拜访他。 Molly would like to do some diving if there is time. 有时间的话，莫莉想去潜水。have time for something She realized she would have time for a coffee before her train left. 她发现在火车出发之前她还有时间喝杯咖啡。 We don’t have to rush. We have all the time in the world (=have plenty of time). 我们不必匆忙，有的是时间。 June had little time to spare (=available time) for making her own clothes. 琼几乎没有时间给自己做衣服。free/spare time (=time when you are not working) 空闲时间 He writes poetry in his spare time. 他空闲时写诗。 Being prepared for meetings will save time. 做好会议准备可以节省时间。 I don’t want to waste time arguing. 我不想浪费时间争吵。 She spent precious time (=valuable and important time) looking for a telephone. 她把宝贵的时间花在找电话上了。 I seem to spend most of my time on the phone. 我好像把大部分时间都花在打电话上了。 McDuff passed the time writing letters (=wrote letters because he had nothing else to do). 麦克达夫写信打发时间。have time on your hands/time to kill (=not have enough to do) 无所事事，没事可干 Now the children have left home, she has too much time on her hands. 现在孩子们都离开家了，她有太多空闲时间。make/find time (for something/to do something) (=plan so that you have time available for something) 安排/找时间（做某事） Make time to talk to your children. 抽出时间和孩子们谈谈。 Book your ticket soon, as time is running out. 快点订票，时间不多了。time’s up (=used to say that it is the end of the time allowed for something such as a competition or examination) 〔比赛或考试〕时间到，没有时间了we’re out of time (=used on radio and television programmes to say that there is no more time available on the programme) 〔电视和电台节目中说〕〔节目）接近尾声了7  all the time  (also the whole time)ALL THE TIMEKEEP DOING something continuously or very often 一直，始终；经常 I keep practising and I’m improving all the time. 我不断练习，因此一直在进步。 He worries about her the whole time. 他一直在担心她。8  most of the time very often or almost always 大多数时候 I can speak German but we speak English most of the time. 我会说德语，但我们大多数时候说英语。9  half the time if something happens half the time, especially something annoying, it happens quite often 经常 〔尤指恼人的事〕 Half the time you don’t even notice what I’m wearing. 你常常连我穿什么都没注意。10  at times SOMETIMESsometimes 有时，偶尔 Life is hard at times. 生活有时很艰辛。11  from time to time SOMETIMESsometimes, but not regularly or very often 偶尔，有时 These food safety scares happen from time to time. 这种食品安全恐慌事件时有发生。12  time after time/time and time again OFTENoften, over a long period 反复多次；一而再，再而三 The police were catching the same kids stealing time after time. 警察几次三番地抓住同一批孩子在偷东西。13  at all times always – used especially in official rules and statements 随时，总是〔尤用于正式规定和声明〕 Children must be supervised at all times while in the park. 儿童在公园里必须一直有人照看。 Parents are welcome at all times. 随时欢迎家长。14  nine times out of ten/99 times out of 100 etc used to say that something is almost always true or almost always happens 十之八九，几乎总是 Nine times out of ten she’s right. 十有八九她都是对的。15  at the time at a particular moment or period in the past when something happened, especially when the situation is very different now 当时 I was about ten or eleven at the time. 我当时大概十或十一岁。16  at one time at a time in the past but not now 曾经有一个时期，一度 At one time she wanted to be a nurse, but the thought of working at night put her off. 她曾经想当一名护士，但想到上夜班她就退却了。17  at this time American English at this particular moment 此时此刻 The president said his actions were ‘the right ones at this time’. 总统说他的行动“在此时此刻是正确的”。18  at no time used to say strongly that something never happened or should never happen 从来没有，在任何时候都不（应该）at no time did/was etc At no time did anyone involved speak to the press. 任何相关人员都没有向媒体发表过言论。 At no time was the company informed. 公司从来没有得到过消息。19  for the time being for a short period of time from now, but not permanently 眼下，暂时 Now, for the time being, she is living with her father in Tijuana. 眼下，她和父亲暂住在蒂华纳。20  in 10 days’/five years’/a few minutes’ etc time ten days, five years etc from now 十天/五年/几分钟等后 He has an appointment with the doctor in two days’ time. 他约好了两天后去看医生。21  in time a) before the time by which it is necessary for something to be done 及时〔做某事〕 Will you be able to finish it in time? 你能及时完成吗？in time to do something They ran all the way to the corner just in time to see the bus disappearing up the street. 他们一路跑到转角处，正好看到公共汽车消失在街头。in time for The painting was successfully repaired in time for the opening of the exhibition. 这幅画及时修复成功，正好赶上展览会开幕。in good time/in plenty of time (=a long time before the necessary time) 及早，尽早，及时 We arrived at the concert hall in good time. 我们早早就到了音乐厅。 b) after a certain period of time, especially after a gradual process of change and development 过一段时间，迟早 He wants to see changes in the company and I am sure he will, in time. 他想看到公司的变化，我相信过一段时间他一定会看到的。22  with time to spare sooner than expected or necessary 还有剩余的时间〔指比预期要快〕 We should arrive in New York with time to spare. 我们应该可以提前到达纽约。23  over time if something happens over time, it happens gradually during a long period 渐渐地，慢慢地 The research project will be assessed over time. 这个研究项目要假以时日才能作出评估。 Students are encouraged to consider the way language changes over time. 鼓励学生们去思考语言随着时间变化的方式。24  with time/given time after a period of time 随着时间的推移，逐渐地 These symptoms will start to get better with time. 这些症状过一段时间就会开始好转。 I would have thought of the answer, given time. 要是给我时间，我会想出答案的。25  take your time a) to do something slowly or carefully without hurrying 不着急，慢慢来take your time doing something Marie took her time cutting my hair and did it really well. 玛丽仔细地给我剪发，剪得相当好。take your time over He had planned to take his time over the journey. 他原来计划这一路慢慢地走。 b) to do something more slowly than seems reasonable 慢吞吞，拖拉 You’re taking your time with the lab tests. We need the results now. 你们实验做得太慢了。我们现在就要结果。26  five/ten/many etc times ... used to say how much greater, more etc one thing is than another 的五倍/十倍/很多倍等 Sound travels four times faster in water than in air. 声音在水中的传播速度是在空气中的四倍。 There were three times as many girls as boys. 女孩人数是男孩的三倍。27  ... at a time a) if someone deals with things one, three, ten etc at a time, they deal with them separately or in groups of three, ten etc 每次… If you raise your hands, I’ll answer questions one at a time. 请你们举手，我会逐一回答你们的问题。 Frank took the stairs two at a time. 弗兰克一步跨两级台阶。 b) if something happens for hours, days, months etc at a time, it continues for several hours, months etc 连续 Because of his work, he’s often away for weeks at a time. 因为工作的原因，他经常连续几周都不在家。28  on time at the correct time or the time that was arranged 准时，按时 Jack was worried about whether he’d be able to get there on time. 杰克担心他是否能准时赶到那里。right/bang/dead on time (=at exactly the right time) 正点 The plane arrived right on time. 飞机准点到达。n USAGE: On time, in time• On time means ‘at the correct or agreed time’: Please arrive on time. ✗Don’t say: Please arrive in time.• In time means ‘early enough for something or to do something’: He arrived in time for supper.29  ahead of/behind time earlier or later than the time when something happens, should be done etc 在原定时间以前/以后 Prepare what you plan to say in the meeting ahead of time (=before the meeting). 事先准备好你在会上的发言。 The train left twenty minutes behind time (=after it should have left). 火车晚点了20分钟发车。30  it’s about time  (also it’s high time) spoken used to say strongly that you think something should happen soon or should already have happened 是时候 It’s about time our team won. 该是我们队赢的时候了。 It’s high time we had a party. 我们早该举行一次聚会了。31  not before time/and about time (too) spoken used to say that something should have happened sooner 早该发生，早该如此 Philip is going to be punished and not before time. 菲利普要受到惩罚了，早该如此了。32  the best/biggest etc ... of all time the best, biggest etc of a particular kind of person or thing that has ever existed 有史以来最好/最大等的… He is the greatest athlete of all time, in my opinion. 我认为他是有史以来最伟大的运动员。33  in no time (at all)/in next to no time very quickly or soon 立刻，马上 We’ll be there in no time. 我们马上就到。34  any time (now) very soon 立刻，马上 ‘When is she due back?’ ‘Any time now.’ “她应该什么时候回来？”“马上。”35  it’s (only/just) a matter/question of time used to say that something will definitely happen at some time in the future, but you do not know when 这（只）是个时间问题〔指某事肯定会发生〕 I’ll find the key eventually. It’s just a question of time. 我总会找到钥匙的，只是个时间问题。 It’s only a matter of time before we catch the person who killed her. 我们迟早会抓到杀害她的凶手。36  (only) time will tell used to say that at some time in the future it will become clear whether or not something is true, right etc （只有）时间会说明一切 Only time will tell if the treatment has been successful. 只有时间才能证明这种治疗是否有效。37  period in history 历史阶段PERIOD OF TIME [countable] (also times [plural]) a particular period in history 〔历史上的〕时代，时期 Mankind has used the horse since ancient times. 人类从古时候起就使用马匹了。 In earlier times, servants would use the bare wooden stairs at the back of the house. 过去，仆人只能走房子后面光光的木楼梯。at/in/during etc the time of something He lived at the time of the Napoleonic wars. 他生活在拿破仑战争时期。our time(s) (=the present period in history) 我们的时代，当代 Air pollution has become one of the most significant health problems of our time. 空气污染成了我们这个时代最重大的健康问题。38  behind the times old-fashioned 过时的 Our equipment is a bit behind the times. 我们的设备有点过时。39  move/change/keep up with the times to change when other things in society, business etc change 与时俱进 We’ve got to move with the times. 我们必须与时俱进。40  ahead of your/its time having or using the most advanced ideas, methods, designs, technology etc 最先进的，超越时代的，具有前瞻性的 Coleridge was far ahead of his time in his understanding of the unconscious. 柯尔律治对潜意识的理解远远超前于他所处的时代。41  pleasant/unpleasant 令人愉快的/令人不快的PERIOD OF TIME [countable] a good time, bad time, difficult time etc is a period or occasion when you have good, bad, difficult etc experiences 时光，时日，岁月 This was the happiest time of her life. 这是她一生中最幸福的时光。good/bad/hard etc times They had their happy times, but they had their hard times too. 他们有过快乐的时光，但也经历过艰难的岁月。have a good/great/lovely etc time (=enjoy yourself) 过得愉快；玩得高兴 Did you have a good time at the party? 你在聚会上玩得高兴吗？ Julie went to a wedding at the weekend and had the time of her life (=enjoyed herself very much). 朱莉周末去参加了一个婚礼，玩得非常开心。42  somebody’s time in/at/as something the period of time when you were living in a particular place, working for a particular company etc 某人在〔某地生活或任职〕的时候 In her time at the United Nations she was considered a tough negotiator. 她在联合国的时候被认为是一个强硬的谈判对手。43  before your time a) before you were born or before you started working or living somewhere 在…出生[开始工作，到某地生活]之前；早于…的时代 They say he was a great actor but that was before my time. 他们说他是个伟大的演员，但那时我还没有入行。 b) if you do something, especially get old, before your time, you do it before the time when most people usually do it in their lives 过早 〔尤指变老〕 He seemed to grow into an old man before his time. 他似乎过早地衰老了。44  in part of the world 在世界某地 [uncountable]TMC the way of referring to points in time in one particular part of the world 〔世界上某一特定地区的〕时间 Eastern Standard Time 东部标准时间 British Summer Time 英国夏令时 The flight to Boston arrives at 1.15 pm local time. 飞往波士顿的班机将于当地时间下午1点15分到达。45  DStime taken 花费的时间 [countable] a) the amount of time taken by a competitor in a race 〔比赛中花费的〕时间 The Olympic medallist’s time in the 200 metres final was 19.21 seconds. 这位奥运会奖牌得主在200米决赛中的成绩是2分11秒56。 b) journey time the amount of time a journey takes 行程时间 The journey time to London is approximately four hours. 前往伦敦的行程需时约4小时。46  sports 体育运动 [uncountable] British English the end of the normal period of playing time in a sports game, especially football 〔尤指足球的〕比赛时间结束，终场 SYN full time Mason’s goal 13 minutes from time earned his team a place in the finals. 梅森终场前13分钟的进球使他的球队进入了决赛。47  APMmusic 音乐 [uncountable] the number of beats in each bar in a piece of music 拍子，节拍 Waltzes are usually in three-four time. 华尔兹舞曲通常是四分之三拍。48  in time to/with something if you do something in time to a piece of music, you do it using the same rhythm and speed as the music 和着〔音乐〕的节拍 Gloria was tapping her feet in time to the music. 格洛丽亚跟着音乐的节拍脚步轻点。49. keep/beat time to show the rhythm and speed that a piece of music should be played at to a group of musicians, using your hands 〔用手〕打着节拍50. keep perfect/good etc time if a clock keeps good time, it always shows the correct time 〔钟表〕走得很准51  PRISON 监狱do time to spend a period of time in prison 坐牢，服刑 Paul was doing time for burglary. 保罗因入室盗窃在监狱服刑。52  pass the time of day (with somebody) to say hello to someone and have a short talk with them （与某人）打招呼，（与某人）寒暄 People like to pass the time of day with neighbours. 人们喜欢和邻居寒暄。53  time was (when) used to say that there was a time when you used to be able to do something, when something used to happen etc 曾经有一个时候… Time was when no one had television. 过去谁都没有电视机。54. there’s no time to lose used to say that you must do something quickly because there is very little time 没时间了，必须抓紧时间55  make good time if you make good time on a journey, you travel quickly, especially more quickly than you expected 〔旅途中〕快速行进〔尤指比预期要快〕 We made good time and were at the hotel by lunchtime. 我们路上很快，午饭时间就到酒店了。56  race/work/battle against time to try to finish or achieve something even though you have very little time 争分夺秒，尽快 Mark was racing against time to complete the work by Friday. 马克争分夺秒，想赶在周五之前完成工作。57. time is money used to say that wasting time or delaying something costs money 时间就是金钱，一寸光阴一寸金58. time is on your side used to say that someone is young enough to be able to wait before doing something or until something happens 你还年轻，有的是时间59. time is a great healer/heals all wounds EVENTUALLYused to say that someone will become less upset as time passes 时间是疗伤的一剂良药/时间能治愈一切创伤60  time flies used to say that time seems to pass very quickly 时光飞逝 Time flies when you’re having fun. 玩得开心时，时间过得飞快。61  in your own time if you study or do work in your own time, you do it outside normal school or work hours 在空闲时间，在业余时间 Nurses in training study in their own time. 参加培训的护士在业余时间学习。62  in your own (good) time informal when you are ready 在自己做好准备之时，在自己认为合适之时 Bobby will tell them about it in his own good time. 博比会在他认为合适的时候把这事告诉他们的。63  all in good time used to tell someone to be patient because something they are waiting for will certainly happen after a period of time, and probably quite soon 快了，别急〔告诉某人他期待的事最终肯定会发生，而且也许即将发生〕 ‘I’d love to see it.’ ‘All in good time.’ “我真想看看。”“别急。”64  have a lot of/no time for somebody/something informal if you have a lot of time for someone or something, you like or admire them, and if you have no time for them, you do not like or admire them 喜欢[欣赏]/不喜欢[不欣赏]某人/某事物 He has no time for (=does not like) people who talk too much. 他不喜欢话太多的人。65  time of life used to refer to someone’s age 〔某人的〕年龄，年纪 At my time of life, you can’t take too many shocks like that. 我这个年纪的人，受不了太多那样的打击。66  your time used in certain expressions to refer to the period when you are alive 〔某人的〕一生，一辈子in your time I’ve met some rude women in my time but she’s the worst. 我这辈子也见过一些粗鲁的女人，但她是当中的极品。 He was many things in his time – musician, pilot, cattle-rancher, industrialist, journalist. 他一生有多重身份——音乐家、飞行员、养牛的牧场主、实业家和记者。 If I had my time over again (=lived my life again), I’d probably do exactly the same things. 如果人生重来，我很可能还会做同样的事。67  time of the month the time when a woman has her period 经期 It’s that time of the month. 我的经期来了。68. time out of mind literary a very long time, or a very long time ago 很长时间；很久以前 → big time1, full-time, half-time, part-time, real-time, → at the best of times at best3(11), → time is of the essence at essence(4), → bide your time at bide(1), → in the fullness of time at fullness(1), → give somebody/something time at give1(21), → kill time at kill1(8), → lose time at lose(8), → mark time at mark1(11), → move with the times at move1(17), → in the nick of time at nick1(1), → for old times’ sake at old(19), → once upon a time at once1(14), → play for time at play1(18), → the time is ripe at ripe(3), → at the same time at same1(3), → sign of the times at sign1(9), → a stitch in time (saves nine) at stitch1(8), → have a whale of a time at whale1(2)n COLLOCATIONS – Meanings 1,5 & 6verbstime passes/goes byAs time passed, she thought less and less about her family back home.take time (=require a long time to do)Learning a new skill takes time.have time (=have enough time to do something)I didn’t do it because I didn’t have time.have/get time to do somethingWe never get time to do anything together.spend timeI’m going to spend some time with my family.pass the time (=spend a period of time doing something)The prisoners pass the time reading, or writing letters.waste timeYou are wasting your time arguing with him.save timeI used a ready-made sauce in order to save time.make/find time to do something (=do something, even though you are busy)You need to make time to do things you enjoy.kill time (=spend time doing something unimportant while waiting for something)He was just killing time before his appointment.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + time a long timeI haven’t seen him for a long time.a short timeA short time later, she heard him drive away.a limited time (=a short period of time)The offer is available for a limited time only. some time (=quite a long period of time)I’ve known the truth for some time.free/spare timeHe spends all this free time watching television.precious/valuable timeI’m sorry if I’m taking up your valuable time.family timeAs the children get older, evenings become valuable family time.journey/travel time (=the time it takes to travel somewhere)By train, the journey time to London is about two hours.phrasesa period of timeOver a period of time the students develop their own ideas.an amount/a length of timeCustomers only have a limited amount of time to inspect the goods.there is time to do something (=there is enough time to do it)There was no time to discuss it further.it takes time to do somethingIt took them a long time to struggle through the crowds.as time goes on (=as time passes)I understood him better as time went on.time is running out (=there is not much time left to do something)Doctors are looking for a suitable donor, but time is running out.time’s up (=used to say that the time allowed for something has finished)Time’s up, class. Put your pens down and hand your papers to the front. have time to kill (=have time to do something unimportant while waiting for something)I still had some time to kill, so I thought I’d make a couple of phone calls.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘a small time’. Say a short time. THESAURUSa time when something happens 某事发生的时间time a time when something happens or when you should do something 次，回；时候The last time I saw her she was in high school. 我最后一次看到她的时候她在上中学。It’s time for you to go to bed. 你该睡觉了。nThe best time to visit Scotland is in late May.occasion a time when something happens. Occasion is more formal than time 时刻；场合〔occasion比time正式〕They have been seen together on several occasions. 有人好几次看到他们在一起。nThe last occasion the two teams met, the Giants won easily. moment a particular point in time when something happens 时刻At that moment (=at exactly that time), the door bell rang. 就在那时，门铃响了。The next moment she was gone. 一会儿她就不见了。point a particular time during a longer period of time 时刻At one point during the play she completely forgot her lines. 演出中有那么一会儿她完全忘记了台词。the lowest point of the holiday 假日里最不开心的时刻a long time 很长一段时间a long time a long period of time, especially many months or years 很长时间〔尤指数月或数年〕They’ve been married a long time – nearly 30 years. 他们结婚很长时间了——将近30年。nThe house has been empty for a long time.nall day/night/year/week continuing for the whole day, night, year etc – used especially to emphasize that it is a long timeIt’s going to take me all night to finish this essay.He’s in London all week, and only comes home at the weekends.hours/weeks/months/years many hours, weeks, months, or years – used to emphasize that it is a long time, or much longer than it should be 数小时/数周/数月/数年〔用于强调时间之久〕It’s years since I rode a bike. 我好几年没骑自行车了。nMy wife had to wait months for a hospital appointment.ages especially British English informal a very long time 很长时间I’ve been standing here for ages. 我站在这里很长时间了。nThe software takes ages to load.nThey’ve lived there for ages.a while (also some time) a fairly long time 一段较长的时间I hadn’t seen Paul for a while, and he’d completely changed. 我有一段时间没见保罗了，他完全变了。nIt may be some time before the company starts to make a profit.the longest time American English a very long time 很长时间For the longest time, my daughter wasn’t reading at all. 我女儿有很长一段时间根本不看书。nIt took me the longest time to figure out how to work the sunroof in this car.a short time 很短一段时间a minute/moment a short time 一会儿I’ll call you back in a minute. 我一会儿给你回电话。Can I show you something? It will only take a moment. 我给你看样东西好吗？一会儿就行。a second a very short time 片刻I’ll be ready in a second. 我马上就好。Just a second – I can’t find my wallet. 稍等片刻——我找不到钱包了。an instant written a very short time 瞬间In an instant, they were gone. 一瞬间,他们就不见了。He paused for an instant. 他停顿了片刻。a little while/a short while a short period of time, especially a few hours, days, or weeks 不久〔尤指数小时、数日或数周〕I’ve been to Tokyo, but I was only there for a short while. 我去过东京，不过只待了没多久。nI saw him a little while ago.

Examples from the Corpus

time• All systems settle down after a time.• After a time, I began to feel more relaxed.• He chatted to us for a time, then left.• For a time, the 1,600 seater hall was home to a Saturday night film show, before being converted to a night club.• I've got to get this to the video store by closing time.• Bill had lost his job, and it was a difficult time for him.• Every time I met her, she asked me about the children.• How much time do you think they'll need to paint the house?• I didn't really enjoy my time in Boston.• I really enjoyed my time at university.• Give us a call next time you're in town.• I've heard Jessie play a number of times, and I think he's great.• Drugs can alter our understanding of time and space.• At one time, Hakami was ranked 32nd in the world.• Check with the museum for opening times at www.musart.co.• He played for Barcelona for four years, and during that time they won two major competitions.• Do you remember that time Tim got really drunk at Sarah's party?• Entrance fees to the exhibit have been reduced for the time being.• Could I have the times of the trains to Birmingham please?• Do you remember the time when Dad lost the car keys?is that the time?• Another difficulty is that the time perspectives used for managerial evaluation have changed very little over the years.• Oh my god, is that the time? I've got to go!• Good heavens, is that the time?• William Oh shit, is that the time?One time• Miles really wanted to win badly. One time he had his agent try to make loud noises in the background.• Can you think of one particular moment? One time?when the time comes• Oh, not now, but when the time comes - if it does come.• But, when the times comes, his proposers look as if they will have an incontestable piece of evidence.• We'll decide how to tell her when the time comes.• I hope that Opposition Members will support it in the Division Lobby when the time comes.• Add half to each pile when the time comes, plus two more hickory chunks to each side.• So, when the time comes and you need to replace a part on your Toyota, buy the real thing.• At least they will have my testimony when the time comes.• It may be that when the time comes our Party will be divided in regard to this matter.for any length of time• They will not be able to survive in the desert for any length of time.• Anyone who has lived here for any length of time is familiar with the housing problem.• Once you've injected for any length of time, there's no point in snorting or chasing.• She comes over all peculiar now if you even talk about kids for any length of time.• Because utmost vigilance was required of him, he was reluctant to leave his post for any length of time.• When standing for any length of time, remember that a wide base is more stable than a small one.• If lost, the ferret can not survive for any length of time.• Such organizations have many other characteristics which anybody who has worked in them for any length of time will recognize.• Rarely had they been left alone together for any length of time, but one thing now seemed certain.• Beyond that, things tended to be too small and fuzzy to work with for any length of time.time is running out• They are waiting for a kidney donor and time is running out fast.• Clay Shaw of Florida, has failed to gain momentum, and time is running out.• Meanwhile, the young stylist must find her long lost sister before her wedding on Saturday and time is running out.• Anyway, time is running out, as 1997 bears down on Hong Kong.• Plainly, then, the resolve is there to save this Series from itself, but time is running out.• But time is running out and I am suddenly discovering lots of subjects for my sketchpad.• But they're both aware that time is running out.• But possibly most crucial of all, Cardus knows that time is running out.ancient times• They swore that the forest had existed by these bounds from ancient times.• Hydrogen sulphide was probably a relatively rare commodity, even in ancient times.• Spirituality does not exist only in ancient times, or in books.• They were probably unknown there in ancient times.• Since ancient times people have disputed the actions taken by their neighbours.• Since ancient times, the rowan tree has been considered a scourge to witches.• Indeed, the latest microbrew trend actually harks back to ancient times, when brewers grabbed whatever flavorings were nearby.• Fortunately, some sediments, by rare good fortune, survive from very ancient times with little or no loss of legibility.good/bad/hard etc times• As hard times turn to iron times this is an urgent question.• In good times, the timespan can be as much as three months.• However, you would not get £149.95p each if you fell on hard times and wanted to sell your sovereigns.• There were some good times with Trudy.• So it came as a relief to hear that better times were ahead.• Axe hacks' snacks One hard-pressed organisation seems determined to keep up its standards despite its financial problems in these hard times.• Get ready to let those good times roll.• Great athletes are marked by the ability to strive through hard times.local time• The combat operations began just after 1am local time, shortly after the new government was sworn in.• McCready's flight took off on time and he landed at Hannover at eight, local time.• The temperature at 1: 00 p. m. local time is 29 degrees.• It scheduled a news conference for 9 p. m. local time at its Amsterdam headquarters.• The impact, occurring shortly before midnight local time, apparently knocked out all communications before warning could be given.• The subjects must continue to live their normal routines, but now in accord with the new local time.• This moment is defined as noon on local time.

Related topics: Chronology, Sport

time2 ●●● S1 W2 verb [transitive]  1  TIME/AT THE SAME TIMEto arrange that something should happen at a particular time 安排…的时间，选好…的时间 I saw from the station clock that I had timed my arrival perfectly. 我从车站的钟上看到我到的时间正好。be timed to do something The tour has been timed to allow visitors to attend the opening night of the Verona opera season. 这次游览的时间安排使得游客可以参加维罗纳歌剧节的开幕之夜。 Her book was timed to coincide with (=arranged to be at the same time as) an exhibition of Goya’s paintings at the National Gallery. 她的书安排在国家美术馆举办戈雅画展的时候出版。be timed for something The meeting has been timed for three o'clock. 会议安排在3点钟开始。n Grammar Time is often passive in this meaning.2  TMCto measure how fast someone or something is going, how long it takes to do something etc 测定…的速度；记录…所需的时间 We had to run up the stairs while the Sergeant timed us. 我们必须跑上楼梯，中士给我们计时。time somebody/something at something They timed the winner at 2 minutes and 14.05 seconds. 他们给获胜者测定的时间为2分14秒05。3  DSto hit a ball or make a shot at a particular moment 把握〔击球、射门或投篮〕的时机 → mistimetime something well/badly etc Keith timed the pass well. 基思传球的时机把握得很好。 a beautifully timed shot 时机把握得恰到好处的一记射门 → ill-timed, well-timed→ See Verb table

Examples from the Corpus

time• The release of the document was shrewdly timed.• The fastest big cat, the cheetah, has been timed at over 60 mph.• The first track race is timed for 11.15.• Stephen timed his arrival for exactly six o'clock.• We timed how long it took us to get there.• I'm going to run to the corner and back - time me.• The meditation class will be timed so that it does not coincide with the noisier exercise classes.• They timed the call to coincide with the attack on the Cokleys'.• Walker timed the pass perfectly.• Those chords of searching bewilderment in the finale were timed to a microsecond and projected an awesome tingle of fear.• The swimming teacher always times us over 100 metres.be timed to do something• Those chords of searching bewilderment in the finale were timed to a microsecond and projected an awesome tingle of fear.• The raptors live on top of the bridge, so construction would have to be timed to avoid crucial nesting periods.• Compare this with most mammals, in which mating is timed to coincide much more precisely with the release of an ovum.• The attack was timed to coincide with the Tet holi-day and its traditional truce.• The new ads are timed to hit the airwaves as the stores complete the merchandise makeover, Cohen said.• White walk signals are timed to last about seven seconds before changing to a flashing red, said Folks.• Similarly, events can be timed to the precision of atomic clock broadcasts.• The explosion was timed to the second.nTime (also Time magazine / $ ˌ. ˈ.../) trademark  na US weekly news magazine which is sold in the US and is also available in many countries around the worldFrom Longman Business Dictionarytimetime /taɪm/ noun1[uncountable] the quantity that is measured in minutes, hours, years etc using clocksThe company needs more time to restructure its finances.The Channel Tunnel considerably cut the journey time from London to Paris. → air time → comp time → dead time → delivery time → down time → dwell time → face time → lead time → lost time → new time → play time → prime time → quality time2time and a half/time and a quarter one and a half times or one and a quarter times the normal rate of payYou get time and a half if you come into the office on Saturday.3double/triple time twice or three times the normal rate of payWe worked Sundays and holidays at double time.4[singular] a particular point in timeWhat time is the meeting?5[uncountable] the time in one particular part of the world, or the time used in one particular areaWe will be arriving in New York at 3 a.m. local time. 6on time arriving or happening at the correct time or the time that was arranged86% of our domestic flights were on time last year.The card rewards customers for paying their bills on time.7[countable] an occasion when something happens or someone does somethingThe committee meets six times a year.Customers resented being charged $100 every time they brought a vehicle in for repairs.8five/ten/many etc times used to say how much bigger, better etc one thing is than anotherThe stock was recently selling for more than 200 times the past four quarters’ earnings.Origin time1 Old English tima

time1 noun →10-19 →20-29 →30-39
→40-49 →50-59 →60-68 →n GRAMMAR1 →n USAGE1
→n COLLOCATIONS1 →THESAURUS1time2 verb →n GRAMMAR1TimeLDOCE OnlineChinese  

Corpus thing in measured hours, the years is days, Business that minutes,

Time
Time (also ˌTime magaˈzine / $ ˌ. ˈ.../) trademark
a US weekly news magazine which is sold in the US and is also available in many countries around the world

time

I

time¹ S1 W1 /taɪm/ noun1.  MINUTES/HOURS ETC  [uncountable] the thing that is measured in minutes, hours, days, years etc using clocks:
    Einstein changed the way we think about space and time.
    close relationships established over a long period of time
    Customers have only a limited amount of time to examine the goods.
    time passes/goes by
    Their marriage got better as time went by.
2.  ON A CLOCK  [singular] a particular point in time shown on a clock in hours and minutes:
    ‘What time is it?’ ‘It’s about two thirty.’
    What time are you going out tonight?
    what time do you make it? British English what time do you have? American English (=used to ask someone with a watch what time it is)
    have you got the time? British English do you have the time? American English (=used to ask someone if they know what time it is)
    tell the time British English tell time American English (=be able to understand a clock)
    Robin’s just learning to tell the time.
    look at the time (=used when you realize that it is later than you thought it was)
    Oh no. Look at the time. I’ll be late.
    is that the time? (=used when you suddenly realize what the time is)
    Is that the time? I must go.
    this time tomorrow/last week etc
    By this time tomorrow I’ll know whether I’ve got the job.
3.  OCCASION  [countable] an occasion when something happens or someone does something:
    That was the only time we disagreed.
    Do you remember the time I hit Tom Benson?
    Mary had seen the film many times.
    (for) the first/second/last etc time
    It was the first time that he had lost a game.
    Gerry had just had back surgery for the third time in two years.
    (the) next time/(the) last time/this time
    Why don’t you drop in for a drink next time you’re over this way?
    The last time (=the most recent time) I saw Jonathan was Thursday evening.
    The freezing weather did not return until February but this time we were prepared.
    the first/second/next/last etc time round (=the first, second etc time something happens)
    I missed their concert the first time round so I’m going next week.
    every/each time
    I meet up with Julie every time I go to Washington.
    how many times ...?
    How many times did you take your driving test?
    How many times have I told you not to wander off like that? (=I have told you many times)
    One time (=once) I went to a garage sale and bought fifteen books.
4.  POINT WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS  [uncountable and countable] the particular minute, hour, day etc when something happens or should happen
    at the time of something
    She was three months pregnant at the time of Stephen’s death.
    at some/any/that time
    He is performing as well as at any time in his career.
    The UK has 500,000 stray dogs on its streets at any one time (=at any particular time).
    at a/the time when ...
    At the time when this scheme was introduced, it was recognised that there might be problems.
    by the time ...
    The phone was ringing but by the time she got indoors, it had stopped.
    it’s time to do something
    Rosie – it’s time to get up.
    it’s time for something
    Come on, it’s time for bed.
    He glanced at his watch. ‘It’s time for me to go.’
    it’s time somebody did something
    It’s time I fed the dog.
    Now is the right time for us to move to London.
    a good/bad time
    This might be a good time to start planning the new garden.
    not the time/hardly the time
    Now is not the time to annoy Peter.
    there’s no time like the present (=used to say that now is a good time to do something)
    ‘When do you want to meet?’ ‘Well, there’s no time like the present.’
    dinner/lunch/tea etc time
    It’s nearly dinner time.
    opening/closing time (=the time when a shop, bar etc opens or closes)
    We empty the till each night at closing time.
    arrival/departure time (=the time when a train, plane etc arrives or leaves)
    Our estimated arrival time is 2:30 pm.
    time of day/year
    England is so lovely at this time of year.
    We’ll sort that out when the time comes (=when it becomes necessary).
5.  PERIOD OF TIME  [singular, uncountable] a period of time during which something happens or someone does something:
    Dustin wanted to spend as much time as possible with his family.
    a long/short/limited time
    I first met Jennifer a long time ago.
    They stopped for a short time to rest the horses.
    Andy and Tom talked for some time (=for a fairly short period).
    Alison was married, for a time (=for a fairly short period), to a comedian.
    Martin disliked being away from his family for any length of time (=for more than just a short period).
    It took her a long time to make a decision.
    Learning a language isn’t easy – it takes time (=takes a long period of time).
    take time to do something (=deliberately spend time doing something)
    While in New York he took time to visit some friends.
    travel time
    I wanted to make better use of my travel time.
6.  AVAILABLE TIME  [uncountable] an amount of time that is available for you to do something:
    I’ll visit him if I have time.
    Molly would like to do some diving if there is time.
    have time for something
    She realized she would have time for a coffee before her train left.
    We don’t have to rush. We have all the time in the world (=have plenty of time).
    June had little time to spare (=available time) for making her own clothes.
    free/spare time (=time when you are not working)
    He writes poetry in his spare time.
    Being prepared for meetings will save time.
    I don’t want to waste time arguing.
    She spent precious time (=valuable and important time) looking for a telephone.
    I seem to spend most of my time on the phone.
    McDuff passed the time writing letters (=wrote letters because he had nothing else to do).
    have time on your hands/time to kill (=not have enough to do)
    Now the children have left home, she has too much time on her hands.
    make/find time (for something/to do something) (=plan so that you have time available for something)
    Make time to talk to your children.
    Book your ticket soon, as time is running out.
    time’s up (=used to say that it is the end of the time allowed for something such as a competition or examination)
    we’re out of time (=used on radio and television programmes to say that there is no more time available on the programme)
7. all the time (also the whole time) continuously or very often:
    I keep practising and I’m improving all the time.
    He worries about her the whole time.
8. most of the time very often or almost always:
    I can speak German but we speak English most of the time.
9. half the time if something happens half the time, especially something annoying, it happens quite often:
    Half the time you don’t even notice what I’m wearing.
10. at times sometimes:
    Life is hard at times.
11. from time to time sometimes, but not regularly or very often:
    These food safety scares happen from time to time.
12. time after time/time and time again often, over a long period:
    The police were catching the same kids stealing time after time.
13. at all times always – used especially in official rules and statements:
    Children must be supervised at all times while in the park.
    Parents are welcome at all times.
14. nine times out of ten/99 times out of 100 etc used to say that something is almost always true or almost always happens:
    Nine times out of ten she’s right.
15. at the time at a particular moment or period in the past when something happened, especially when the situation is very different now:
    I was about ten or eleven at the time.
16. at one time at a time in the past but not now:
    At one time she wanted to be a nurse, but the thought of working at night put her off.
17. at this time American English at this particular moment:
    The President said his actions were ‘the right ones at this time’.
18. at no time used to say strongly that something never happened or should never happen
    at no time did/was etc
    At no time did anyone involved speak to the press.
    At no time was the company informed.
19. for the time being for a short period of time from now, but not permanently:
    Now, for the time being, she is living with her father in Tijuana.
20. in 10 days’/five years’/a few minutes’ etc time ten days, five years etc from now:
    He has an appointment with the doctor in two days’ time.
21. in time
  a. before the time by which it is necessary for something to be done:
    Will you be able to finish it in time?
    in time to do something
    They ran all the way to the corner just in time to see the bus disappearing up the street.
    in time for
    The painting was successfully repaired in time for the opening of the exhibition.
    in good time/in plenty of time (=a long time before the necessary time)
    We arrived at the concert hall in good time.
  b. after a certain period of time, especially after a gradual process of change and development:
    He wants to see changes in the company and I am sure he will, in time.
22. with time to spare sooner than expected or necessary:
    We should arrive in New York with time to spare.
23. over time if something happens over time, it happens gradually during a long period:
    The research project will be assessed over time.
    Students are encouraged to consider the way language changes over time.
24. with time/given time after a period of time:
    These symptoms will start to get better with time.
    I would have thought of the answer, given time.
25. take your time
  a. to do something slowly or carefully without hurrying
    take your time doing something
    Marie took her time cutting my hair and did it really well.
    take your time over
    He had planned to take his time over the journey.
  b. to do something more slowly than seems reasonable:
    You’re taking your time with the lab tests. We need the results now.
26. five/ten/many etc times ... used to say how much greater, more etc one thing is than another:
    Sound travels four times faster in water than in air.
    There were three times as many girls as boys.
27. ... at a time
  a. if someone deals with things one, three, ten etc at a time, they deal with them separately or in groups of three, ten etc:
    If you raise your hands, I’ll answer questions one at a time.
    Frank took the stairs two at a time.
  b. if something happens for hours, days, months etc at a time, it continues for several hours, months etc:
    Because of his work, he’s often away for weeks at a time.
28. on time at the correct time or the time that was arranged:
    Jack was worried about whether he’d be able to get there on time.
    right/bang/dead on time (=at exactly the right time)
    The plane arrived right on time.
29. ahead of/behind time earlier or later than the time when something happens, should be done etc:
    Prepare what you plan to say in the meeting ahead of time (=before the meeting).
    The train left twenty minutes behind time (=after it should have left).
30. it’s about time (also it’s high time) spoken used to say strongly that you think something should happen soon or should already have happened:
    It’s about time our team won.
    It’s high time we had a party.
31. not before time/and about time (too) spoken used to say that something should have happened sooner:
    Philip is going to be punished and not before time.
32. the best/biggest etc ... of all time the best, biggest etc of a particular kind of person or thing that has ever existed:
    He is the greatest athlete of all time, in my opinion.
33. in no time (at all)/in next to no time very quickly or soon:
    We’ll be there in no time.
34. any time (now) very soon:
    ‘When is she due back?’ ‘Any time now.’
35. it’s (only/just) a matter/question of time used to say that something will definitely happen at some time in the future, but you do not know when:
    I’ll find the key eventually. It’s just a question of time.
    It’s only a matter of time before we catch the person who killed her.
36. (only) time will tell used to say that at some time in the future it will become clear whether or not something is true, right etc:
    Only time will tell if the treatment has been successful.
37.  PERIOD IN HISTORY  [countable] (also times [plural]) a particular period in history:
    Mankind has used the horse since ancient times.
    In earlier times, servants would use the bare wooden stairs at the back of the house.
    at/in/during etc the time of something
    He lived at the time of the Napoleonic wars.
    our time(s) (=the present period in history)
    Air pollution has become one of the most significant health problems of our time.
38. behind the times old-fashioned:
    Our equipment is a bit behind the times.
39. move/change/keep up with the times to change when other things in society, business etc change:
    We’ve got to move with the times.
40. ahead of your/its time having or using the most advanced ideas, methods, designs, technology etc:
    Coleridge was far ahead of his time in his understanding of the unconscious.
41.  PLEASANT/UNPLEASANT  [countable] a good time, bad time, difficult time etc is a period or occasion when you have good, bad, difficult etc experiences:
    This was the happiest time of her life.
    good/bad/hard etc times
    They had their happy times, but they had their hard times too.
    have a good/great/lovely etc time (=enjoy yourself)
    Did you have a good time at the party?
    Julie went to a wedding at the weekend and had the time of her life (=enjoyed herself very much).
42. sb’s time in/at/as something the period of time when you were living in a particular place, working for a particular company etc:
    In her time at the United Nations she was considered a tough negotiator.
43. before your time
  a. before you were born or before you started working or living somewhere:
    They say he was a great actor but that was before my time.
  b. if you do something, especially get old, before your time, you do it before the time when most people usually do it in their lives:
    He seemed to grow into an old man before his time.
44.  IN PART OF THE WORLD  [uncountable] the way of referring to points in time in one particular part of the world:
    Eastern Standard Time
    British Summer Time
    The flight to Boston arrives at 1.15 pm local time.
45.  TIME TAKEN  [countable]
  a. the amount of time taken by a competitor in a race:
    The Olympic medallist’s time in the 200 metres final was 2 minutes 11.56 seconds.
  b. journey time the amount of time a journey takes:
    The journey time to London is approximately four hours.
46.  SPORTS  [uncountable] British English the end of the normal period of playing time in a sports game, especially football
   SYN  full time:
    Mason’s goal 13 minutes from time earned his team a place in the finals.
47.  MUSIC  [uncountable] the number of beats in each bar in a piece of music:
    Waltzes are usually in three-four time.
48. in time to/with something if you do something in time to a piece of music, you do it using the same rhythm and speed as the music:
    Gloria was tapping her feet in time to the music.
49. keep/beat time to show the rhythm and speed that a piece of music should be played at to a group of musicians, using your hands
50. keep perfect/good etc time if a clock keeps good time, it always shows the correct time
51.  PRISON do time to spend a period of time in prison:
    Paul was doing time for burglary.
52. pass the time of day (with somebody) to say hello to someone and have a short talk with them:
    People like to pass the time of day with neighbours.
53. time was (when) used to say that there was a time when you used to be able to do something, when something used to happen etc:
    Time was when no one had television.
54. there’s no time to lose used to say that you must do something quickly because there is very little time
55. make good time if you make good time on a journey, you travel quickly, especially more quickly than you expected:
    We made good time and were at the hotel by lunchtime.
56. race/work/battle against time to try to finish or achieve something even though you have very little time:
    Mark was racing against time to complete the work by Friday.
57. time is money used to say that wasting time or delaying something costs money
58. time is on your side used to say that someone is young enough to be able to wait before doing something or until something happens
59. time is a great healer/heals all wounds used to say that someone will become less upset as time passes
60. time flies used to say that time seems to pass very quickly:
    Time flies when you’re having fun.
61. in your own time if you study or do work in your own time, you do it outside normal school or work hours:
    Nurses in training study in their own time.
62. in your own (good) time informal when you are ready:
    Bobby will tell them about it in his own good time.
63. all in good time used to tell someone to be patient because something they are waiting for will certainly happen after a period of time, and probably quite soon:
    ‘I’d love to see it.’ ‘All in good time.’
64. have a lot of/no time for somebody/something informal if you have a lot of time for someone or something, you like or admire them:
    He has no time for (=does not like) people who talk too much.
65. time of life used to refer to someone’s age:
    At my time of life, you can’t take too many shocks like that.
66. your time used in certain expressions to refer to the period when you are alive
    in your time
    I’ve met some rude women in my time but she’s the worst.
    He was many things in his time – musician, pilot, cattle-rancher, industrialist, journalist.
    If I had my time over again (=lived my life again), I’d probably do exactly the same things.
67. time of the month the time when a woman has her period:
    It’s that time of the month.
68. time out of mind literary a very long time, or a very long time ago
⇨ big time¹, full-time, half-time, part-time, real-time, ⇨ at the best of times at best³(11), ⇨ time is of the essence at essence(4), ⇨ bide your time at bide(1), ⇨ in the fullness of time at fullness(1), ⇨ give somebody/something time at give¹(21), ⇨ kill time at kill¹(8), ⇨ lose time at lose(8), ⇨ mark time at mark²(11), ⇨ move with the times at move¹(17), ⇨ in the nick of time at nick¹(1), ⇨ for old times’ sake at old(19), ⇨ once upon a time at once¹(14), ⇨ play for time at play¹(18), ⇨ the time is ripe at ripe(3), ⇨ at the same time at same¹(3), ⇨ sign of the times at sign¹(9), ⇨ a stitch in time (saves nine) at stitch¹(8), ⇨ have a whale of a time at whale¹(2)
     

COLLOCATIONS

(for Meanings 1, 5 & 6)

■ verbs
   ▪ time passes/goes by As time passed, she thought less and less about her family back home.
   ▪ take time (=require a long time to do) Learning a new skill takes time.
   ▪ have time (=have enough time to do something) I didn’t do it because I didn’t have time.
   ▪ have/get time to do something We never get time to do anything together.
   ▪ spend time I’m going to spend some time with my family.
   ▪ pass the time (=spend a period of time doing something) The prisoners pass the time reading, or writing letters.
   ▪ waste time You are wasting your time arguing with him.
   ▪ save time I used a ready-made sauce in order to save time.
   ▪ make/find time to do something (=do something, even though you are busy) You need to make time to do things you enjoy.
   ▪ kill time (=spend time doing something unimportant while waiting for something) He was just killing time before his appointment.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + time
   ▪ a long time I haven’t seen him for a long time.
   ▪ a short time A short time later, she heard him drive away.
   ▪ a limited time (=a short period of time) The offer is available for a limited time only.
   ▪ some time (=quite a long period of time) I’ve known the truth for some time.
   ▪ free/spare time He spends all this free time watching television.
   ▪ precious/valuable time I’m sorry if I’m taking up your valuable time.
   ▪ family time As the children get older, evenings become valuable family time.
   ▪ journey/travel time (=the time it takes to travel somewhere) By train, the journey time to London is about two hours.
■ phrases
   ▪ a period of time Over a period of time the students develop their own ideas.
   ▪ an amount/a length of time Customers only have a limited amount of time to inspect the goods.
   ▪ there is time to do something (=there is enough time to do it) There was no time to discuss it further.
   ▪ it takes time to do something It took them a long time to struggle through the crowds.
   ▪ as time goes on (=as time passes) I understood him better as time went on.
   ▪ time is running out (=there is not much time left to do something) Doctors are looking for a suitable donor, but time is running out.
   ▪ time’s up (=used to say that the time allowed for something has finished) Time’s up, class. Put your pens down and hand your papers to the front.
   ▪ have time to kill (=have time to do something unimportant while waiting for something) I still had some time to kill, so I thought I’d make a couple of phone calls.
■ COMMON ERRORS
    ► Do not say 'a small time'. Say a short time.
     

THESAURUS

■ a time when something happens
   ▪ time a time when something happens or when you should do something: The last time I saw her she was in high school. | It’s time for you to go to bed. | The best time to visit Scotland is in late May.
   ▪ occasion a time when something happens. Occasion is more formal than time: They have been seen together on several occasions. | The last occasion the two teams met, the Giants won easily.
   ▪ moment a particular point in time when something happens: At that moment (=at exactly that time), the door bell rang. | The next moment she was gone.
   ▪ point a particular time during a longer period of time: At one point during the play she completely forgot her lines. | the lowest point of the holiday
■ a long time
   ▪ a long time a long period of time, especially many months or years: They’ve been married a long time – nearly 30 years. | The house has been empty for a long time.
   ▪ all day/night/year/week continuing for the whole day, night, year etc – used especially to emphasize that it is a long time: It’s going to take me all night to finish this essay. | He’s in London all week, and only comes home at the weekends.
   ▪ hours/weeks/months/years many hours, weeks, months, or years – used to emphasize that it is a long time, or much longer than it should be: It’s years since I rode a bike. | My wife had to wait months for a hospital appointment.
   ▪ ages especially British English informal a very long time: I’ve been standing here for ages. | The software takes ages to load. | They’ve lived there for ages.
   ▪ a while (also some time) a fairly long time: I hadn’t seen Paul for a while, and he’d completely changed. | It may be some time before the company starts to make a profit.
   ▪ the longest time American English a very long time: For the longest time, my daughter wasn’t reading at all. | It took me the longest time to figure out how to work the sunroof in this car.
■ a short time
   ▪ a minute/moment a short time: I’ll call you back in a minute. | Can I show you something? It will only take a moment.
   ▪ a second a very short time: I’ll be ready in a second. | Just a second – I can’t find my wallet.
   ▪ an instant written a very short time: In an instant, they were gone. | He paused for an instant.
   ▪ a little while/a short while a short period of time, especially a few hours, days, or weeks: I’ve been to Tokyo, but I was only there for a short while. | I saw him a little while ago.

II

time² verb [transitive]1. [usually passive] to arrange that something should happen at a particular time:
    I saw from the station clock that I had timed my arrival perfectly.
    be timed to do something
    The tour has been timed to allow visitors to attend the opening night of the Verona opera season.
    Her book was timed to coincide with (=arranged to be at the same time as) an exhibition of Goya’s paintings at the National Gallery.
    be timed for something
    The meeting has been timed for three o'clock.
2. to measure how fast someone or something is going, how long it takes to do something etc:
    We had to run up the stairs while the Sergeant timed us.
    time somebody/something at something
    They timed the winner at 2 minutes and 14.05 seconds.
3. to hit a ball or make a shot at a particular moment ⇨ mistime
    time something well/badly etc
    Keith timed the pass well.
    a beautifully timed shot
⇨ ill-timed, well-timed