ripe

Early ripe, early rotten, and Soon ripe, soon rotten.

Prov. A child with extraordinary talent or intelligence will probably lose those qualities by the time he or she grows up. Jill: Philip was such a fine young boy; I'm surprised he's become such a good-for-nothing adult. Jane: Early ripe, early rotten. Jane: You must be very proud of your little boy. He seems so mature for his age. Ellen: I'm afraid it won't last. You know what they say: "Soon ripe, soon rotten."

See also: early, rotten

ripe old age

a very old age. Mr. Smith died last night, but he lived to a ripe old age—99. All the Smiths seem to reach a ripe old age.

See also: age, old

time is ripe

Prov. It is the most favorable time to do something. You ought to buy a house this year. Prices are so low, and you have enough money saved for a down payment. The time is ripe. Since Joe was in a good mood, I judged that the time was ripe to ask him for the favor I needed.

See also: time

when the time is ripe

Fig. at exactly the right time. I'll tell her the good news when the time is ripe. When the time is ripe, I'll bring up the subject again.

See also: time

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live to a ripe old age

to live until you are very old Both his grandparents lived to a ripe old age.

See also: age, live, old

the time is ripe

if the time is ripe for something, it is a good time to do it or for it to happen (often + for ) British socialists were convinced that the time was ripe for fundamental social change. (often + to do sth) Many employers feel the time is ripe to give workforces a bigger share of the profits they have helped to create.

See also: time

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ripe for something

ready for something to happen She thinks the whole unemployment insurance system is ripe for an overhaul. Nobody was sure if the television audience was ripe for something different. Kinshasa is a city ripe for change.

the time is ripe

the conditions are very good I think the time is ripe to look for a larger house.

See also: time