about time

Idioms

Long past the right time; also, approximately the right time. Thus, It's about time you went to bed can mean either that you should have gone to bed much earlier (often stated with emphasis on the word time), or that now is the appropriate time for you to retire. [Early 1900s] For a synonym, see high time.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I think that it is about time that the truth … should be brought out.”

From Literature

In practice, the best results will require specifics about time periods and sources, and must describe what type of output is needed.

From MarketWatch

“Finally, you’re up! Well, it’s about time. Do you know what I’ve been doing the whole while you’ve been snoozing away? Do you? Never mind asking because it would take another hour to list everything off.”

From Literature

I figured that it was about time for me to say something or I would surely have to drink the well dry or be chained to a fence post.

From Literature

It’s about time that cabbage deserves its rightful spotlight.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023