about time

Idioms  

1. Long past the right time; also, approximately the right time. Thus, It's about time you went to bed can mean either that you should have gone to bed much earlier (often stated with emphasis on the word time), or that now is the appropriate time for you to retire. [Early 1900s] For a synonym, see high time.

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Example Sentences

"After talking and talking for a whole generation, it's about time for doing," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

His wife told him: “‘It’s about time people recognize what a messy eater you are.’”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

In practice, the best results will require specifics about time periods and sources, and must describe what type of output is needed.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

She said: "It's about time we held them to account and said 'what are you showing our children?'"

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

“I think it is about time we began lessons.”

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White