in the fullness of time
Eventually, once enough of the future has naturally passed.
Example: The truth would come out in the fullness of time.
C222 words · Proficient
Time & Frequency vocabulary — C2
Time and frequency idioms for more literary and formal writing, with phrases like time immemorial, a race against time and a bygone era.
22 questions
Words in this set
22a fleeting moment
A very brief period that passes and disappears almost immediately.
Example:
For a fleeting moment, she thought she recognised him.
the test of time
The ability of something to remain valued and effective across many years.
Example:
Few buildings have stood the test of time like this cathedral.
time immemorial
A period so far in the past that it lies beyond memory or written record.
Example:
This festival has been celebrated since time immemorial.
a ticking clock
A growing sense of pressure as a deadline draws closer.
Example:
Every scene of the film built tension like a ticking clock.
make up for lost time
To work extra hard or quickly to compensate for an earlier delay.
Example:
After the illness, she trained twice as hard to make up for lost time.
a race against time
An urgent effort to complete something before a deadline or limit is reached.
Example:
Rescuers were in a race against time before the tide came in.
a matter of time
Something that will certainly happen eventually, even though exactly when is unknown.
Example:
It was only a matter of time before the truth came out.
time will tell
The truth or outcome of a situation will only become clear at some point in the future.
Example:
Will the plan work? Time will tell.
in a whirlwind
In an extremely busy, fast-moving period full of activity.
Example:
The first week in the new job passed in a whirlwind.
in the twinkling of an eye
Extremely quickly.
Example:
The whole crowd dispersed in the twinkling of an eye.
a bygone era
A period of the past that has completely ended.
Example:
Two-hour lunches belong to a bygone era.
in short order
Very quickly and without fuss.
Example:
The objection was dealt with in short order.
of late
Recently.
Example:
She has been noticeably quieter of late.
in the offing
Likely to happen soon.
Example:
There is a reorganisation in the offing and everyone knows it.
the passage of time
The way time goes by and changes things.
Example:
The passage of time has been kinder to the building than to the plan.
a golden age
A period when something was at its best.
Example:
The seventies were a golden age for that industry.
days of yore
A long time ago.
Example:
In days of yore the whole valley was orchard.
a moment of truth
The point when something is finally tested.
Example:
The first crossing was a moment of truth for the whole design.
the die is cast
A decision has been made and cannot be changed.
Example:
Once the letters went out the die is cast.
at long last
Finally, after a very long wait.
Example:
At long last the second platform opened.
time out of mind
For longer than anyone can remember.
Example:
That path has been public time out of mind.
