Synonyms

make up for lost time

Idioms

Also, make up ground. Hurry to compensate for wasted time, as in They married late but hoped to make up for lost time, or We're behind in the schedule, and we'll just have to make up ground as best we can. The first term was first recorded in 1774; the variant dates from the late 1800s.

Example Sentences

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make up for lost time

Once he enters the modern world to search for their missing parents, she tries to make up for lost time.

From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026

In 2024, China removed the tariffs and Penfolds tried to make up for lost time, shipping large quantities of red wine to the country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 24, 2026

But they could be about to make up for lost time.

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2026

On Saturday, Oscar would be able to make up for lost time at the postponed homecoming dance — on campus.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 27, 2026

“We have to make up for lost time, travel as fast as we can. Percy’s and Annabeth’s lives might depend on it.”

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

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