time flies
TYM FLYZ
/taɪm flaɪz/
Time passes very quickly, especially when you are busy or enjoying yourself.
A common observation about the subjective nature of time.
The story behind the word. This is a translation of the Latin phrase 'Tempus fugit', famously used by the Roman poet Virgil. It has been a staple of Western literature for over two millennia.
Word relationships
- time slips away: 'Time slips away' sounds more regretful; 'time flies' is more of a surprised observation.
- time drags: 'Time drags' means time feels very slow.
Commonly confused with
- in the blink of an eye: 'Time flies' refers to a period (hours, years); 'in the blink of an eye' refers to a single moment.
Collocations
- time flies when
- how time flies
- time really flies
Example sentences
- "Sed fugit interea, fugit inreparabile tempus. (But meanwhile, time flies; it flies, never to be recovered.)" Classic Literature
- "I can't believe it's already midnight; time flies when you're having fun!" Social gathering
Memory hook
Imagine a clock with wings flying out the window. Wings on the clock.
When not to use
Rarely used in formal scientific writing about physics.
Fun facts
- Tempus fugit is often inscribed on sundials and grandfather clocks.
Related words
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