# a week is a long time in politics

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/a-week-is-a-long-time-in-politics
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

## Examples

- In this election, a week is a long time in politics.
- The candidate was leading in the polls yesterday, but a week is a long time in politics and now everything has changed.
- Given the rapid collapse of the coalition government, observers were reminded once again that a week is a long time in politics.

## Origin

Usually attributed to British Prime Minister Harold Wilson in the mid-1960s. Also used by (and incorrectly attributed to) Australian PM Gough Whitlam in the 1970s.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.