(it's) about time
Meaning(s)
1. at or past the point when something should have happened
Popularity
Medium
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
it's about time you got here!
Analysis
This expression is most commonly used in a social situation, and emphasizes that something should happen soon or should have happened a long time ago. There is a key difference in how those two variations are delivered in speech. If you are using 'about time' to say that something should happen soon, you would usually say it in a neutral tone of voice. If, however, you are saying that something should have happened a long time ago, the tone is often one of impatience, anger or excitement. An alternative expression is 'it's high time.'
Social Examples (Basic)
- Well, it's about time you got here! I've been waiting over an hour for you!
- Isn't it about time you got a job? You can't just sit around watching TV all day.
- Person A: "Did you hear the news? I asked Lisa to marry me." Person B: "About time! I thought you'd never pluck up the courage!"
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I think it's about time I asked for a raise. I've been here for two years now.