ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have a time

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of have a time of it.


Examples
SIMPLE

We really had a time trying to fix the broken sink.

CONTEXTUAL

The team had a time of it trying to finish the project before the deadline.

COMPLEX

The travelers had a time of it navigating the mountain pass during the unexpected snowstorm.

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