lose time

Idioms  

1. Operate too slowly. For example, My watch loses time , or This clock loses five minutes a day . This usage is always applied to a timepiece. [Mid-1800s]

2. Waste time, delay, as in We wanted to paint the entire porch today, but we lost time trying to find a color that matched the house . This expression is sometimes put negatively as lose no time , meaning “act immediately” or “not delay,” as in We must lose no time in getting him to the hospital . [Late 1500s] Also see make up for lost time .

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Example Sentences

“I’m just afraid that we will lose time while the new team comes to understand what is happening.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Ferrari warned Leclerc "not to lose time" fighting Sainz for third and that his fight was with Norris behind, knowing that the extra grip from the fresher tyres would leave him helpless.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2024

"These workers, who are overwhelmingly Black workers, immigrant workers, and women, literally can't afford to take breaks or lose time to take care of their health," she explained.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2023

“You lose time on the fight against inflation if you wait,” said Michael Feroli, the chief U.S. economist at J.P.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2023

I hate to lose time, but I must veer from the course I had planned.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin