about time

Idioms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

about time

It is about time to update the means-tested Supplemental Security Income program.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026

“It’s about time it’s coming to the stage,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026

Baker analyzes how the rise of banking and insurance in 15th and 16th century Italy transformed beliefs about time, risk, and luck.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Kane and Bellingham revel in responsibility as England's leaders, but it is about time others shared the burden around at this World Cup.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

“Well, it’s about time he got here, your daddy. I’ve been expecting him hourly. Hourly.”

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023