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.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

time is up

It’s not uncommon for someone to get appointed to fill an official’s term if they leave office before their time is up.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Cells can enter apoptosis when they become old, damaged, or receive molecular signals telling them that their time is up.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 18, 2026

Not if you’re a veteran superhero trying to ignore the inference that your time is up.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 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

‘This waiting is horrible! Surely the time is up?’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---