by now

idiom

Meaning

you use this to say that something should have happened already or is likely true at this moment.

Origin

disputed origin

See by, sense 3: “not later than (the given time); not later than the end of (the given time interval)”.

Examples

SIMPLE

The mail should arrive by now.

CONTEXTUAL

I expected them to be here by now, but the heavy traffic must have delayed their arrival.

COMPLEX

Given the urgency of the situation, the authorities should have reached a definitive conclusion by now, yet the investigation continues without any clear resolution.

Last updated April 22, 2026