in (one's) time
When one was younger; in one's younger days. In my grandparents' time, planning a wedding wasn't such a colossal ordeal. Back in my time, the only thing we had to do for fun was stickball, and we were grateful for it! In my time, school was actually affordable. Now, high school can cost tens of thousands of dollars—a year!
in time
1. Before some deadline or something begins or ends. I need to get home in time to take a shower before the party. Oh good—we're in time to see the opening band. We were so late to the wedding, but at least we got there in time to see them pronounced husband and wife.
2. Eventually; with the passing of time. In time, you will come to realize how much your parents care about you. The grief will ease up in time, I can promise you that. She'll get used to her new school in time, and then she'll be fine.
3. In rhythm; on tempo. The guys in the band can play—just not together. They're almost never in time. Wow, how do they get all those troops to be in time with each other? I've never seen someone so uncoordinated! That guy couldn't be in time with the music if he tried.
in time (with someone or something)
Following or maintaining the proper rhythm (along with someone or something). Come on, man, you're not in time at all—can't you hear what the bass and drums are doing? Wow, how do they get all those troops to be in time with each other? I've never seen someone so uncoordinated! That guy couldn't be in time with the music if he tried.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in time
1. Before a time limit expires, early enough, as in
His speech begins at eight, so we've arrived in time. It is often put as
in time for, as in
Please come in time for dinner. [Second half of 1400s] Also see
in good time.
2. Eventually, within an indefinite period, as in
In time you'll see that Dad was right. [c. 1450] Also see
in due course.
3. In the proper musical tempo or rhythm, as in It's important to dance in time to the music. [c. 1700]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
in time
1. Before a time limit expires.
2. Within an indefinite time; eventually: In time they came to accept the harsh facts.
3. Music a. In the proper tempo.
b. Played with a meter.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.