have a time of it
To undergo a painful or difficult experience.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is having a hard time of it with his new job.”
“After the storm destroyed their roof, the family really had a time of it trying to find a place to stay.”
“The elderly traveler, lost in the unfamiliar city during the blizzard, certainly had a time of it before finally finding shelter.”
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a week is a long time in politics
In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.
- 02
about time
Far past the desired time.
- 03
any time now
Very soon.
- 04
any time soon
soon
- 05
better luck next time
Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.
- 06
bide one's time
To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.
- 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.
- 08
burn time
To waste time unnecessarily.
Last updated August 10, 2026