Time idioms

Until kingdom come

FOR A VERY LONG TIME.

“We don’t want to wait until kingdom come for your answer.”

From time to time

EVERY NOW AND THEN; SOMETIMES.

“He shows up around here from time to time.”

Be as regular as clockwork

TO BE VERY REGULAR.

“He phones every Sunday nightat 10 pm as regular as clockwork.”

An early bird

SOMEONE WHO GETS UPEARLY IN THE MORNING.

“I’m a bit of a night person, butJane is an early bird.”

From the cradle to the grave

DURING A WHOLE LIFETIME.

“Medical care will cover you from the cradle to the grave in this country.”

In the long run / in the short run

A LONG TIME IN THE FUTURE; A SHORT TIME IN THE FUTURE.

“In the long run you could make a lot of money out of this investment.” “In the short run, I think we should focus all our efforts on product B.”

Play for time

TO ATTEMPT TO DELAY SOMETHING.

“She keeps asking us for more information, but she doesn’t really need it.She’s just playing for time.”