a devil of a time: something difficult

a legend in one’s own time: one who gains renown within his or her lifetime (also inspired “a legend in (one’s) own mind,” referring to an egotistical person who believes himself or herself to be more significant than he or she actually is)

a matter/question of time: said in reference to a state that will soon change

a rare old time: an enjoyable experience

a race against time: said of trying to accomplish something critical in a short time frame

a stitch in time: the first half of a proverb (ending with “saves nine” and with an obscure origin) that refers to the wisdom of taking precaution

a whale of a (good) time: an especially exciting or fun experience
ahead of time: before the agreed time

ahead of (one’s) time: said of someone or something that has an innovative approach or style or one that the world is not ready for

all in good time: an expression that encourages patience

all the time in the world: an unlimited amount of time

all the time: in addition to referring to habitual or continuous occurrence, can refer to knowing about something throughout a given period

at a set time: at the agreed time

at all times: always

at no time: never

at the appointed time: at the agreed time

bad time: an inconvenient moment or an unfortunate experience

before (one’s) time: said of something that existed or occurred before one was born or when one was too young to recall that thing, or said in reference to someone’s unexpectedly early death

behind its time/the times: late, not keeping up, or obsolete

bide (one’s) time: be patient

big-time operator: someone who is or thinks he or she is important or influential

big-time spender: one who spends a lot of money, or said ironically about a frugal person

borrowed time: an uncertain amount of time, at the end of which something will no longer exist or occur

buy time: postpone an event for one’s advantage

by the time: said in reference to a time after something else has occurred

caught in a time warp: unchanged in an antiquated or obsolete way

crunch time: a critical period

face time: time spent in someone else’s company

for the time being: for now

from time to time: occasionally

do (the) time: serve time in jail or prison

down time: rest period

get the time: become available

give (one) a hard time: be critical

good-time Charlie: one who seeks pleasure

good times: pleasant experiences

hardly have time to breathe: said when one is busy

have a time of it: experience difficulty

having quite a time: having a pleasurable experience, or having difficulty

have time on (one’s side): don’t have to hurry

I’ll catch you some other time: I’ll talk to you later when it’s more convenient for you

in next to no time: almost instantly

in the fullness of time: after enough time passes

in the right place at the right time: in a figurative sense, fortuitously prepared for some eventuality; also, literally, located in a position that is advantageous or fortunate

it’s about time: said to express impatience, or relief that something has finally occurred (usually accompanied by an exclamation point)

it’s high time: it is the appropriate time; one has waited long enough

keep time: maintain the beat in music

lose no time: do something immediately

make good time: proceed quickly or in a reasonable amount of time

make time for: set aside a period of time to accommodate someone or something

make up for lost time: catch up on time wasted or as a result of going slowly or not going at all

mark time: wait

not able to call (one’s) time (one’s) own: too busy

old-time: old-fashioned

on time: punctual

once upon a time: long ago

out of time: said in reference to no longer having time to do something

pass the time (of day) with: chat with

pressed for time: lacking enough time to do something

run that by me one more time: say that again

sands of time: a poetic reference to the passage of time as represented by sand in an hourglass

the big time: said in reference to achieving prominence in some endeavor

the time has come: the occasion is appropriate

the time of (one’s) life: a memorable experience

time and tide wait for no man: the world makes no allowance for one being late

time bomb: something that will inevitably result in a negative consequence

time flies: a reference to the fleeting nature of time

time is money: time is important because using it wisely or unwisely affects one’s ability to earn money

time on (one’s) hands: spare time

time out: in sports, a short period when play ceases; by extension, a break from activity (also used as the announcement of a request for a time out, as is time by itself)

(stuck in a) time warp: said in reference to observing something that or someone who appears outdated

time was: there was a time when

time’s a-wastin’: time is running out

time to hit the road: time to depart

time works wonders: the passage of time resolves problems

when the time is ripe: when the time is appropriate

withstand the test of time: endure

wouldn’t give (one) the time of day to: ignored