make time
Idioms-
Proceed rapidly, as in We have to make time if we don't want to miss the first part of the movie . This usage alludes to compensating for lost time. [First half of 1800s] Also see make good time .
-
make time for . Arrange one's schedule for doing something or seeing someone, as in Harold always manages to make time for tennis , or I'm pretty busy, but I can make time for you tomorrow morning .
-
make time with . Court or flirt with someone, as in Jerry is trying to make time with Beth . [ Slang ; first half of 1900s]
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.
There has also been a surge of online advice on how to make time in shelters more bearable.
From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026
She said women and their employers need to make time off for health appointments a priority.
From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026
Eat well, get enough sleep and make time to exercise or practice meditation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
“Maybe I’ll make time to register,” the man muses aloud.
From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025
She tried to make time pass by drawing an elephant in one stroke, the way Jalil had shown her, over and over.
From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
