# take one's sweet little time

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-ones-sweet-little-time
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To take a very long time; to be too slow or leisurely in getting something done.

## Examples

- He takes his sweet little time getting ready for school.
- The repairman took his sweet little time fixing the sink, even though I told him I was in a hurry.
- Despite the urgent deadline looming over the project, the consultant took his sweet little time reviewing the documents, much to the frustration of the entire team.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.