time is short
Synonym of clock is ticking.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We must hurry because time is short.”
“Please finish your report quickly, as time is short before the meeting starts.”
“With the deadline approaching and the project still incomplete, the team realized that time is short and they must work through the night.”
- 01
a day late and a dollar short
Too late and too feeble to achieve the desired effect.
- 02
a short drop and a sudden stop
A fall to one's death by hanging.
- 03
a week is a long time in politics
In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.
- 04
about time
Far past the desired time.
- 05
any time now
Very soon.
- 06
any time soon
soon
- 07
better luck next time
Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.
- 08
bide one's time
To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.
Last updated August 10, 2026