time is up

Idioms  

1. The period of time allowed for something is ended, as in Turn in your papers, students; time is up. This idiom uses up in the sense of “completed” or “expired,” a usage dating from about 1400.

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Example Sentences

"The Games are no longer sustainable from an environmental or a social point of view, their time is up," 29-year-old protester Francesca Missana told AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

How much of the lyrics were understood by the Vietnamese at the time is up for debate, although the title and upbeat sound may have contributed to its popularity as a new year’s anthem.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2025

And when her husband's time is up, he won't get a pardon and won't be able to go home immediately as the contract "will be automatically extended".

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2024

People can reapply after their time is up, but they aren’t guaranteed a bed and have to line up outside in the cold to make their petitions.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024

Other birds are living until their time is up.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera