# at the time

idiom · CEFR A2

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

## Meaning

This phrase refers to a particular moment in the past that you are talking about.

## Examples

- I did not know the answer at the time.
- She was very upset about the mistake, but she did not know the full story at the time.
- Although the decision seemed reckless to his colleagues, he believed it was the only logical course of action at the time.

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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.