about time

Idioms  

1. Long past the right time; also, approximately the right time. Thus, It's about time you went to bed can mean either that you should have gone to bed much earlier (often stated with emphasis on the word time), or that now is the appropriate time for you to retire. [Early 1900s] For a synonym, see high time.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

about time

Speaking after the hearing, Nigel said it was "about time" the government acted and he was glad Burnham was listening.

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026

Fans who registered for the ticket lottery with a Visa credit card received information Monday about time slots to purchase tickets during the Visa presale that runs July 29-31.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

The way that happened has been enormously damaging — but, honestly, it was about time.

From Salon ● Jun. 21, 2026

"I think, of course, a woman -- it's about time, isn't it? After 80 years" of the UN's existence, said Espinosa, a former foreign minister.

From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026

“It’s about time you see what this town’s all about.”

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam