Time is of the essence


Time is of the essence definition

Said when something must be done immediately: “The doctors need to operate right now; if they hope to save her, time is of the essence.”

Read Also:

  • Time is ripe

    This is the right moment for something, as in The time is ripe for a revival of that play. Shakespeare used this term (and may have originated it) in 1 Henry IV (1:3): “Letters shall direct your course when time is ripe.”

  • Time is up

    The period of time allowed for something is ended, as in Turn in your papers, students; time is up. This idiom uses up in the sense of “completed” or “expired,” a usage dating from about 1400.

  • Time-keeper

    noun 1. a person or thing that keeps time. 2. an official appointed to time, regulate, and record the duration of a sports contest or its component parts, as to give the official time of a race, assure that a round of boxing is ended exactly on time, or announce to football, basketball, hockey, etc., […]

  • Timekeeping

    noun 1. a person or thing that keeps time. 2. an official appointed to time, regulate, and record the duration of a sports contest or its component parts, as to give the official time of a race, assure that a round of boxing is ended exactly on time, or announce to football, basketball, hockey, etc., […]

  • Time-keeping

    noun 1. a person or thing that keeps time. 2. an official appointed to time, regulate, and record the duration of a sports contest or its component parts, as to give the official time of a race, assure that a round of boxing is ended exactly on time, or announce to football, basketball, hockey, etc., […]


Disclaimer: Time is of the essence definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.