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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Variety says the band "is really starting to prolifically make up for lost time".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 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

Since it’s been more than three years since her last record, perhaps Ms. Lennox felt she needed to make up for lost time, but the weaker material on “Vacancy” makes it seem bloated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

You can’t make up for lost time in investing, no matter how much money you throw at it later.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 25, 2025

I opened my stride early to make up for lost time, and it wasn't long before I caught up to the pack, my beads clicking in time with my heartbeat.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds

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