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

See Examples For:

time is up

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

"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

Jamie gets “Planet of the Apes” and Brandon guesses before half their time is up.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman