ENGLISH
REFERENCE

high time

idiom
Meaning

A point in time at which something is considered to be utterly due or even overdue to occur; well past time.


Examples
SIMPLE

It is high time you cleaned your messy room.

CONTEXTUAL

The roof has been leaking for months, so it is high time we called a professional to fix it.

COMPLEX

Given the persistent decline in performance, it is high time the board of directors considered a fundamental shift in their long-term corporate strategy.

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