ENGLISH
REFERENCE

for the time being

idiom
Meaning

Temporarily; for now; until later; until the situation changes; in an indefinite period of time.


Examples
SIMPLE

I will stay here for the time being.

CONTEXTUAL

The office is under renovation, so we are working from home for the time being.

COMPLEX

Although the committee reached a consensus on the new policy, they decided to maintain the existing regulations for the time being to ensure a smooth transition.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a week is a long time in politics

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

  2. 02

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  3. 03

    any time now

    Very soon.

  4. 04

    any time soon

    soon

  5. 05

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  6. 06

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

  7. 07

    borrowed time

    A period of time whose precise duration is not known but which can be expected to be quite limited, and at the end of which one's situation, benefits, or opportunities will be entirely terminated.

  8. 08

    burn time

    To waste time unnecessarily.

Last updated April 17, 2026