make up for lost time
MAYK up for LOST TYM
/meɪk ʌp fə lɒst taɪm/
To do something more often or with more intensity because you were not able to do it previously.
Implies a desire to compensate for a period of inactivity or absence.
The story behind the word. This idiom treats time as a currency or a physical resource that can be 'lost' and then 'repaid' through extra effort or enjoyment.
Word relationships
- compensate: 'Compensate' is formal and technical; 'make up for lost time' is more emotional and common.
- waste even more time: The opposite of trying to recover lost productivity.
Commonly confused with
- catch up: 'Catch up' is about reaching a standard or level; 'make up for lost time' is about experiencing what was missed.
Collocations
- trying to make up for lost time
- need to make up for lost time
- make up for lost time by
Example sentences
- "After being apart for three years, the couple traveled the world together to make up for lost time." Relationships
- "I was sick all last week, so I'm working double shifts to make up for lost time." Productivity
Memory hook
Imagine a jar of 'time' that you are trying to refill after it was spilled. Refilling the empty time jar.
When not to use
Do not use if the 'lost time' was intentional or if there is no sense of compensation.
Fun facts
- This phrase is often used by parents who return to their children after a long business trip.
Related words
Explore more words
recuperate, make progress, compensate, atone, intensify, amends
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