# all the time

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/all-the-time
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- My neighbor plays loud music all the time.
- I have to explain how to use this software to my coworkers all the time.
- Despite the constant repairs, the old engine seems to break down all the time, leaving the driver stranded on the highway.

## Origin

The expression is an ellipsis of the fuller construction all of the time. It entered the lexicon as a linguistic compression, removing the preposition while retaining the temporal function.

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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.