on time
Idioms-
Punctually, according to schedule, as in I hope the plane will be on time . [Early 1800s]
-
By paying in installments, on credit, as in They are buying their car on time . The time here refers to the designated period in which payments must be made. [Mid-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.
The forum featured Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez, who testified that he had been forced to fire a police officer because their work permit renewal was not processed on time.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
The package will arrive on time, in unmarked brown cardboard, in two days.
From Salon • May 27, 2026
Upcoming physics papers have been replaced as a "precautionary step", but students' results dates remain unchanged, the exam board said, meaning grades will be issued on time and in line with university offer deadlines.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
The approach may also reduce costs and improve working conditions by cutting down on time consuming procedures and limiting the use of hazardous chemicals.
From Science Daily • May 22, 2026
“We are short on time, Nathan,” Darkness said.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
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.
