# time burglar

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/time-burglar
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something or someone that consumes an inordinate amount of time, especially without achieving anything productive.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.