ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take time out

idiom
Meaning

To temporarily suspend an activity in order to do something else.


Examples
SIMPLE

I need to take time out to rest.

CONTEXTUAL

She decided to take time out from her busy schedule to visit her family for the weekend.

COMPLEX

After years of relentless professional pressure, he chose to take time out to travel and reflect on his true priorities in life.

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

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  6. 06

    better luck next time

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

  7. 07

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

  8. 08

    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.

Last updated April 17, 2026