This week we study some more idioms connected to the word time.

Lost in the mists of time: said of something that everyone has forgotten because it happened a long time ago.

The histories of many minor kingdoms have been lost in the mists of time.

Make up for lost time: spend a lot of time doing something because you did not have the time to do it earlier.

My grandfather never had the time to read a lot as a young man but now that he has retired he says he intends to make up for lost time.

Play for time: try to delay something so that you have more time to prepare for it.

The government knows it will have to accede to the kidnappers’ demands but it is playing for time by holding negotiations with them.

The time is ripe: the time is right to do something or for something to happen.

Some political analysts believe that the time is ripe for international borders between the hostile neighbours to be redrawn.

There’s a time and place: said when someone is behaving in a way which you do not think is suitable for the situation they are in.

I don’t think much of women who use heavy make-up to the office. There is a time and place for that.

Time after time/time and time again: repeatedly, many times.

I have told you time and time again not to walk on the carpet with your shoes.

Time flies!: time passes very quickly, often so quickly that you are surprised.

I can’t believe that my daughter has finished school already. How time flies!

Time lies/hangs heavy on one’s hands: time passes very slowly because one does not have enough to do.

Now that both her children have gone to hostels, time hangs heavy on her hands.

Time (alone) will tell: the future will show whether decisions/actions etc. in the present were right or not.

Time will tell whether my decision to leave my job and go into business for myself was right or not.