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

I say that as an example of talking about time, of talking about multiverses, of all these complicated things that are part of our science fiction lore and part of our show.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 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

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

“Well, it’s about time somebody recognizes what we’ve always known,” my dad told Mrs. Shannon.

From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper