about time

Definition & Meaning of "about time"in English

about time
01

used to indicate that something should have happened or been done earlier

(about|high) time definition and meaning
IdiomIdiom

What is the origin of the idiom "about time" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "about time" can be traced back to the Middle English period, where the word "about" was used to mean "concerning" or "regarding." The use of "about" in this manner can be seen in expressions like "about that matter" or "about this issue." In this phrase, the emphasis is on the passage of time and the feeling of it being an appropriate or overdue moment for a particular event or action. It is commonly used in informal conversations, casual writing, and even in more formal settings.

example
Examples
It's about time you start taking your health seriously and prioritize exercise.
about time
a
a
a
bout
ˌbaʊt
bawt
time
taɪm
taim
British pronunciation
/ɐbˌaʊt tˈaɪm/
about time
01

said to show one's relief or satisfaction after an annoying wait for something that was supposed to happen a long time ago

about time definition and meaning
example
Examples
About time! The bus finally arrived after waiting for an hour.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

stars

app store