The idiom “It’s about time” is used to indicate that something should have happened earlier or that the moment for something to happen has finally arrived. It expresses the idea of impatience or frustration because a certain event or action has been long overdue, but it’s now happening at the right moment.
✔ Used to express impatience
✔ Indicates that something was expected to happen sooner
✔ Implies that the right moment has arrived or has passed
✔ Shows a sense of relief or urgency that something is finally taking place
Hindi Equivalent:
“अब समय आ गया / देर हो चुकी”
(यह कहावत उस स्थिति को व्यक्त करती है जब कुछ ऐसा होना चाहिए था लेकिन देर से हुआ। इसका उपयोग तब किया जाता है जब किसी कार्य के होने का समय बहुत पहले आ चुका था, लेकिन अब हो रहा है।)
Detailed Explanation
The phrase “It’s about time” is often used when a long-awaited event or decision finally takes place. It reflects the speaker’s feeling of relief or even frustration because the expected event was delayed but is now occurring at the moment. This expression can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone of the conversation.
When we say “It’s about time,” we are usually acknowledging that something should have happened already, but for some reason, it’s been delayed. It can be used in various situations, from positive outcomes like the completion of a long-awaited project to negative situations where something inconvenient or frustrating has taken longer than expected.
When to Use the Idiom
This idiom is commonly used when something has been delayed for too long, and the speaker feels that the event should have occurred earlier. It can also express impatience and even relief that something is finally happening.
For example, if someone has been promising to fix something in their house for months but has been putting it off, and they finally do it, you could say, “It’s about time!” It indicates that you’re glad the task is finally being done, even though it should have been taken care of earlier.
Real-Life Examples
For a Delayed Action
English: “It’s about time you came to visit me!”
Hindi: “अब समय आ गया था कि तुम मुझसे मिलने आते!”
For a Long-Awaited Achievement
English: “It’s about time the project was completed!”
Hindi: “अब समय आ गया था कि यह प्रोजेक्ट पूरा होता!”
For an Event Finally Happening
English: “It’s about time we went on vacation. We’ve been working so hard!”
Hindi: “अब समय आ गया था कि हम छुट्टियों पर जाएं। हम बहुत मेहनत कर रहे थे!”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Expresses relief or impatience: This idiom conveys the feeling of satisfaction when something is finally completed after being delayed, or it may express frustration if something should have been done sooner.
✓ Encourages action: It can prompt the speaker to encourage someone to get started on something that should have already been done.
✓ Reveals a sense of urgency: It highlights the fact that the time for something to happen has long passed and is now overdue.
Benefits of Using This Idiom:
- Expresses frustration constructively: When used in a light-hearted way, it can serve to express the frustration of waiting without sounding too harsh.
- Creates urgency: It can prompt others to take action, especially when something is delayed.
- Relieves tension: It helps to convey that the waiting is over, and the moment of action is now here.
Usage Tips
✔ Use it to acknowledge something long-awaited: If something you’ve been waiting for finally happens, you can express your relief or impatience using this idiom.
✔ Use it to encourage action: If someone has been procrastinating or delaying an important task, saying “It’s about time” can gently urge them to get going.
✔ Be mindful of tone: This idiom can sometimes sound impatient or sarcastic if not used in the right context, so ensure that your tone aligns with the situation.
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Better late than never” | “देर आये दुरुस्त आये” |
| “It’s high time” | “अब समय आ गया है” |
| “Finally!” | “अखिरकार!” |
| “At last” | “आखिरकार” |
Cultural Perspectives
Western View: In Western cultures, the idiom “It’s about time” is frequently used to express both impatience and relief. It’s commonly said when something is overdue, and it implies that the speaker had expected or hoped for it to happen sooner.
Indian Context: The idiom “अब समय आ गया है” or “अब देर हो चुकी है” is also used in India to convey the same feelings of impatience and relief. In a society where waiting for long durations is common, this expression fits naturally when a long-anticipated event finally takes place.
Global Relevance: “It’s about time” is widely used across English-speaking countries, and similar expressions exist in many languages. The core idea remains the same: something has been delayed for too long, and the right moment has finally come.
Reflection Questions:
- Can you think of a situation in which you’ve said, “It’s about time”?
- How does the idiom “It’s about time” help express your feelings about delays or overdue actions?
- What other phrases could you use to express impatience in a lighter, more positive way?
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
