High time

Definitions

• something should have been done already
  Indicate that something should have been done or happened a long time ago, expressing impatience or frustration

• late hour
  Refer to the late or advanced time of day, indicating that it is time to do something

Examples of High time

• It's high time we started taking action against climate change.

  This means it's been long enough that we should no longer delay addressing the issue of climate change. It implies a sense of urgency and necessity.

• After years of indecision, it's high time John made a decision about his future.

  This usage emphasizes that John has waited too long to make a decision and needs to act soon. It can also be interpreted as a polite way of saying that it's about time John stopped being indecisive.

• High time we updated our technology. Our current systems are outdated and inefficient.

  This expression highlights the need to upgrade outdated technology, while also implying that the current technology has become inefficient and outdated. It encourages taking prompt action towards modernization.

• The store is offering a high time sale, so it's the perfect time to buy those products you've been eyeing.

  In this case, "high time" is used in a different context, referring to an opportune time or occasion. It emphasizes that the sale represents a favorable circumstance for purchasing a product.

• It's high time we took some action on climate change. The planet simply cannot sustain the current level of pollution any longer.

  The idiom "high time" here means that it's long overdue for us to take action on this pressing issue. It implies that the urgency of the situation demands immediate action.

• I've been meaning to quit smoking for a long time now, but it's high time I actually followed through. It's been causing me a lot of health problems, and I don't want to keep risking my life like this.

  In this example, "high time" emphasizes that the individual has been contemplating quitting smoking for some time but has not done so. The idiom suggests that there's no time to waste any longer, and it's crucial for the person to take action and quit smoking.

• After years of sitting on the fence, it's high time we made a decision one way or the other. We can't continue to be indecisive forever.

  In this example, "high time" refers to an instance where a person or a group has been postponing a decision for a long time. The idiom indicates that it's past the point of procrastination, and it's essential to take a definitive action.

• It's high time they introduced some reforms in the education system. The current methods have been failing our children for far too long.

  In this example, "high time" denotes a scenario where there's a pressing need for change in a particular system or practice. It suggests that the situation has reached a critical level, and immediate remedial actions are required.

Conclusion

The idiom "high time" can be used to convey a sense of urgency or impatience, often indicating that something should have been done or happened a long time ago. It can also be used to refer to the late or advanced time of day, signaling that it is time to take action.

Origin of "High time"

The origin of the idiom "high time" can be traced back to the 14th century, with its roots in Middle English and Old English. The word "high" in this context is thought to have originated from the Old English word "heah," meaning "tall" or "high." Over time, it came to be associated with the idea of something being overdue or past due.

The phrase "high time" likely evolved from the concept of time being elevated or advanced, suggesting that something should have been done at an earlier, more opportune moment. Its usage has persisted over the centuries, and it remains a common expression in modern English.