Time & Timeliness: English Vocabulary List

used to warn that procrastination or putting off important tasks or decisions can lead to negative consequences and missed opportunities

"Do not wait — delays are dangerous."

"The team postponed the decision twice and lost the opportunity — delays are dangerous."

used to imply that negative experiences, such as sorrow or hardship, can make time feel slow and endless, while positive experiences, like joy or happiness, can make time seem to fly by

"Bad days feel much longer than good ones — a day of sorrow is longer than a month of joy."

"The month after the accident dragged on slowly, proving that a day of sorrow is longer than a month of joy."

used to imply that being productive and busy makes time seem to pass quickly, while being idle and unproductive can make time seem to drag on

"Busy people never have enough time, idle people always have too much — all days are short to industry and long to idleness."

"When you are deeply engaged in meaningful work, all days are short to industry and long to idleness."

used to imply that a task or action was accomplished immediately after it was suggested or requested

"Act immediately without delay — no sooner said than done."

"She gave the instruction and it was completed before she had left the room — no sooner said than done."

used to suggest that being on time and meeting deadlines is essential for the success of any business or professional endeavor

"Being on time shows respect — punctuality is the soul of business."

"He arrived five minutes early to every meeting — punctuality is the soul of business."

used to imply that there is no better time to act or do something than the present moment

"Do not wait — there is no time like the present!"

"If you want to start learning a new skill, there is no time like the present."

used to emphasize that time and opportunities will not wait for anyone, and that once they have passed, they cannot be regained

"Time stops for nobody — time and tide wait for no man."

"The deadline passed while they were still debating — time and tide wait for no man."

used to implt that time is a valuable and limited resource that should be used wisely and not taken for granted, as once it has passed, it cannot be regained

"Time moves on regardless — time fleeth away without delay."

"Another year had passed without progress — time fleeth away without delay."

used to emphasize that time is a valuable and limited resource that should be used wisely and efficiently

"Every hour counts in business — time is money."

"The project is behind schedule and over budget, reminding us that time is money and we must be more efficient."

used to suggest that those who start early and work hard are more likely to be successful and not need to rely on others for help

"Those who plan ahead do not need to borrow — the early man never borrows from the late man."

"She prepared everything in advance and never asked for extensions — the early man never borrows from the late man."

used to suggest there are appropriate times to express oneself and times to refrain from speaking

"Know when to speak and when to stay silent — there is a time to speak and a time to be silent."

"She held back during the heated exchange, knowing there is a time to speak and a time to be silent."

used to imply that the person who starts their day or task early will have an advantage over those who start later or procrastinate

"The early bird catches the worm, remember."

"I always wake up before sunrise because I truly believe that the early bird gets the worm, especially when it comes to job opportunities."