Enriching Language with English Idioms: A Guide to Vibrant Writing

The timing is an integral part of life, and there are numerous idioms in English that relate to time. Here's a selection of popular expressions that can make your writing more vibrant:

1. Agnst the Clock: If you're working agnst the clock, it means you're racing agnst time, striving to complete something before its deadline.

Example: The police were working agnst the clock trying to find crucial evidence for their case.

2. Around the Clock: Describing activities that happen constantly or continuously throughout a 24-hour period.

Example: The nurses worked around the clock, tirelessly caring for injured children in the hospital.

3. Back in the Day: Often used when recalling past pleasant experiences or times.

Example: My parents fondly recall Hong Kong back in the day, where the sky was always blue and r pollution wasn't an issue.

4. Behind the Times: This phrase is used to describe something that feels outdated, old-fashioned, or not up-to-date with current trs.

Example: Anyone who isn’t familiar with Snapchat risks being behind the times!

5. Call It a DayNight: To decide to stop your efforts for now and take a break.

Example: We have been working on this project since dawn; let's call it a day, we'll finish tomorrow.

6. Crunch Time: A critical moment where something difficult must be done quickly or under pressure.

Example: The campgn has been exciting so far, but now, at the crunch time, candidates need to prove their worthiness.

7. Day in the Sun: Describing a period of recognition and appreciation.

Example: If she keeps pushing herself, her hard work will have its day in the sun when she gets promoted.

8. Someone’s Days are Numbered: It means that someone's time is running out; they won't exist much longer.

Example: After getting hit by that truck, my bike's days are numbered and might need to be replaced soon.

9. At the Eleventh Hour: Used to describe something done at the last possible moment, almost too late.

Example: The director was making changes right before the show; they were playing for time, with the audience already in their seats!

10. Five O’Clock Shadow: The appearance of facial hr when a person hasn’t shaved since morning.

Example: Andy thinks he has a five o'clock shadow due to dirt on his face.

11. Make Good Time: Traveling quickly or efficiently.

Example: With no traffic, we made good time driving through the city toward the border.

12. Time Flies: Describing how time passes surprisingly rapidly.

Example: I've been staring at this screen for hours, and it feels like time is flying when you're trying to meet deadlines.

13. Time on Your Hands: A period of free time or leisure.

Example: Since retiring, Grandma has plenty of time on her hands, which she uses volunteering at the SPCA.

14. Time Is Money: Emphasizes that time is valuable and should not be wasted.

Example: Why are you just sitting there? Time is money! Get up and do something productive!

15. Time Is on My Side: A sense of having plenty of time to complete tasks.

Example: With Mr Ng's extension for our project, I now have ample time to make it fantastic.

16. To the of Time: Forever or indefinitely.

Example: I will always be a Justin Bieber fan until the of time!

Cliches in Formal Writing:

Avoid these common phrases that can detract from your writing:

• A stitch in time saves nine better to deal with problems immediately

  Example: Andy and Alex should really break up if they argue often; it will be pnful, but a stitch in time saves nine.

• Time flies time passes quickly

  Example: Time flew when I was writing essays for the exam!

These idioms can bring life to your writing by adding color and depth. When using them, ensure you understand their meanings fully so that they enhance rather than detract from your message!
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