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

But those of us who have loved her well and long from across the pond do; it’s about time Walker got some good old-fashioned American adulation, which, with any luck, “Alice and Steve” will provide.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

"It's about time a woman governed us, one who makes us feel valued," another, Catalina Solana Guamá, added.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Ms. Vanderkam is exuberant about time management, referring to it as “magical” and stating that the book “is about how to fall in love with your schedule.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

"Talks are very important, because it's about time we have an opportunity of moving forward with Lebanon."

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

“Yes, and surely it’s about time for supper?” said Digory.

From "The Magician's Nephew" by C. S. Lewis