time burglar
Something or someone that consumes an inordinate amount of time, especially without achieving anything productive.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Checking social media all day is a real time burglar.”
“Constant interruptions during my workday act as a time burglar, preventing me from finishing my reports on schedule.”
“The endless cycle of unnecessary administrative meetings has become a significant time burglar, effectively stifling the team's creative output and long-term progress.”
- 01
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