times

at the best of times

even with the best possible conditions or in the best possible situation. Journalism is a highly competitive profession at the best of times. Even at the best of times, this region is hard to farm.

See also: best

be a sign of the times

to be something that shows that society is worse now than it was in the past. Young people are so rude these days. It's a sign of the times.

See also: sign

be behind the times

to be old-fashioned and not know much about modern life. I'd never even heard of half the groups he listens to. I'm a bit behind the times, I'm afraid. Educationally, these schools are 20 years behind the times.

See also: behind

change/keep up/move with the times

to change your way of living or working to make it modern. I don't really like using a computer, but you have to move with the times, I suppose.

See also: change, keep, move

fall on hard times

to have difficulties because you suddenly do not have any money. Millions of workers fell on hard times during the great depression of the 1930s.

See also: fall, hard

nine times out of ten

almost always. Nine times out of ten when you're dreading an occasion it turns out to be perfectly all right.

See also: nine, ten

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at times

during some periods. The couple had lived apart at times during their married life. At times, in front of the class, I get very nervous.

behind the times

old-fashioned. When it comes to women's rights, my grandfather is way behind the times.

See also: behind

change with the times

to accept and use new ways. Hospitals are changing with the times and are much friendlier, more informal places. If you do not keep up with the times, you will lose customers.

See also: change

fall on hard times

to be in a very difficult period. When he fell on hard times, he worked for a while in a local store.

Usage notes: usually used to describe a period in which someone has lost a job and has too little money

See also: fall, hard

nine times out of ten

almost always. When a company has to lay off workers, nine times out of ten women employees are the first to be fired.

See also: nine, ten

a sign of the times

something that shows what a society is like now. Young people are so rude, but I guess it's just a sign of the times.

Usage notes: most often refers to negative characteristics

See also: sign

times have changed

conditions now are very different from those of the past. Years ago nobody in my neighborhood locked their doors, but times have changed and everyone has a burglar alarm.

See also: change