ENGLISH
REFERENCE

all the time

idiom
Meaning

Something that happens 'all the time' happens very often or continuously.


Origin

disputed origin

An ellipsis of all of the time.

Examples
SIMPLE

My neighbor plays loud music all the time.

CONTEXTUAL

I have to explain how to use this software to my coworkers all the time.

COMPLEX

Despite the constant repairs, the old engine seems to break down all the time, leaving the driver stranded on the highway.

Last updated April 22, 2026