PhrasesHub

Time flies

    Definitions

      • time passes quickly
        To express surprise or amazement at how quickly time has passed, often in reference to a specific event or period of time.

      • make the most of the present
        To remind oneself or others to make the most of the current moment, as time is fleeting and can easily slip away.

    Examples of Time flies

    • I can't believe how quickly time has passed since we graduated. It feels like just yesterday we were walking across the stage to receive our diplomas.

      The idiom "time flies" is used to describe how quickly time seems to pass, especially when we're having fun or enjoying ourselves. In this example, the speaker is surprised at how quickly time has passed since graduation, and it feels like it happened recently, even though it has been some time.

    • As soon as we started our new project, time seemed to fly by. We were so focused and engaged that the days seemed to blur together.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe how quickly time seems to pass when we're deeply involved in something we enjoy or find interesting. The speaker is saying that once they started working on the new project, the days seemed to fly by because they were so focused and engaged.

    • I wish time would fly by more quickly during these long winter months. It seems to drag on forever.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe how slowly time seems to pass during a period we find boring or unpleasant. The speaker is saying that they wish time would pass more quickly during the winter months because they find them long and boring.

    • I can't believe how fast my daughter is growing up. It seems like just yesterday she was a newborn, and now she's already a toddler. Time really does fly by when you have kids.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe how quickly children seem to grow and develop. The speaker is saying that it seems like just yesterday their daughter was a newborn, but now she's already a toddler, and they're surprised at how quickly time has passed.

    • We've been planning this trip for months, and now it's finally here. Time really does fly by when you're looking forward to something.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe how quickly time seems to pass when we're looking forward to something. The speaker is saying that it seems like it took a long time to plan the trip, but now that it's finally here, time is flying by because they're excited and enjoying themselves.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "time flies" is used to convey the idea that time passes quickly and can often feel like it is slipping away. It can be used to express surprise or amazement at how quickly a certain period of time has passed, or to remind oneself to make the most of the present moment.

    This idiom is often used in a nostalgic or reflective sense, as people look back on the past and realize how quickly it has gone by. It can also be used to encourage people to appreciate the present and not take it for granted, as time is constantly moving forward and cannot be regained once it has passed.

    Origin of "Time flies"

    The origin of the idiom "time flies" can be traced back to the Latin phrase "tempus fugit," which translates to "time flies." This phrase was first used by the Roman poet Virgil in his work "Georgics" in the 1st century BC. The phrase became popularized in English in the 1800s, with variations such as "time flies when you're having fun" and "time flies like an arrow."

    The concept of time passing quickly has been a common theme in literature and poetry throughout history, and the idiom "time flies" is just one example of this. It is often used to convey a sense of nostalgia or regret for the passing of time, as well as a reminder to make the most of the present moment.