Idioms · 15 entries
A small effort made at the right time might save a calamity later on.
The United Kingdom. A very old proverb.
1. and 2., both British.
The United Kingdom, 20th century. The allusion being that someone is in a race against the clock.
Sir Winston Churchill coined and often used the expression ‘it comes to the crunch’ and this is the source of the ‘crunch time’ variant.
Britain, early 20th century.
USA, late 19th century.
Britain, 16th century proverb
USA, 20th century.
USA, 20th century.
Britain, 19th century. Originally an example of rural slang.
Britain, late 20th century.
Britain, 19th century.
Originated in Ireland in the 1830s and was later adopted in American speech.
Britain, 18th century.
Entry 1
Meaning A small effort made at the right time might save a calamity later on.
Usage In use worldwide, but less commonly than before and mainly by the older generation.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 2
Meaning 1. Almost time. 2. High time.
Usage Both meanings widely used.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 3
Meaning In a great hurry to complete something before a set deadline.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 4
Meaning The period of time just before a project has to be completed.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 5
Meaning The adjustment of clocks to provide longer evening daylight.
Usage Mostly Britain but has also been taken up by other countries that adjust the clocks seasonally.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 6
Meaning Working hours that extend overnight.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 7
Meaning In an overwhelming situation, causing you to act rashly.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 8
Meaning Allow a disagreement or argument to be put in the past.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 9
Meaning A short space of time.
Usage Mostly USA.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 10
Meaning Time spent with a child, spouse or friend in an uninterrupted and attentive way.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 11
Meaning Jokey term for the early morning.
Usage Mostly Britain.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 12
Meaning Very early in the morning.
Usage Mainly Britain, and mainly amongst young adults.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 13
Meaning Said when trying something for the third time.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 14
Meaning The third try is often successful.
Usage Worldwide, but more common in the USA than elsewhere.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 15
Meaning A long time to wait.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation