in the nick of time
At the very last possible moment, just before it becomes too late.
Example: The firefighters arrived in the nick of time.
B114 words · Intermediate
Time & Frequency vocabulary — B1
Time and frequency idioms for describing timing and habits, with phrases like once in a blue moon, at the drop of a hat and kill time.
14 questions
Words in this set
14at the drop of a hat
Immediately, without any hesitation or need for a good reason.
Example:
She'll start singing at the drop of a hat.
for the time being
For now, temporarily, until the situation changes.
Example:
We'll stay in this flat for the time being.
once in a blue moon
Very rarely, almost never.
Example:
He visits his hometown once in a blue moon.
in the long run
Eventually, when considering an extended period rather than right now.
Example:
Eating well pays off in the long run.
time flies
A saying used when a period seems to pass by extremely quickly.
Example:
Time flies when you're having fun.
time after time
Happening repeatedly, again and again.
Example:
He's made the same mistake time after time.
at the last minute
Very close to a deadline, with little preparation beforehand.
Example:
She always finishes her homework at the last minute.
in the meantime
During the period between two events, while something else is happening.
Example:
Dinner will be ready soon; in the meantime, set the table.
from now on
Starting at this moment and continuing into the future.
Example:
From now on, I'll save a little every month.
kill time
To do something unimportant while waiting.
Example:
We had two hours to kill time in a town with one shop.
a matter of days
A very short period of a few days.
Example:
It is a matter of days before the whole thing collapses.
any minute now
Extremely soon.
Example:
The results should be up any minute now, according to the site.
in the early hours
In the period just after midnight.
Example:
The call came in the early hours and nobody slept afterwards.
