Ahead of/behind time
adverb
Earlier than scheduled or expected.
We arrived ahead of time for the meeting to prepare.

Often appears as...
- arrive ahead of time
- finish ahead of time
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
Later than scheduled or expected.
We were behind time because of the traffic jam.

Often appears as...
- arrive behind time
- finish behind time
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
Earlier than scheduled or expected.
We arrived ahead of time for the meeting to prepare.

Often appears as...
- arrive ahead of time
- finish ahead of time
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
Later than scheduled or expected.
We were behind time because of the traffic jam.

Often appears as...
- arrive behind time
- finish behind time
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Planning Positive
Using 'ahead of time' expresses good planning or efficiency. It shows that someone took extra care to be prepared.

She handed in her project ahead of time, impressing her teacher.
Positive Implication
'Ahead of time' often implies eagerness or excitement about the upcoming event or appointment.

They arrived ahead of time for the concert, eager to get good seats.
Not Rushed
Being 'ahead of time' can imply that you'll have a calm and unhurried experience, without any rush.

We got there ahead of time and had a leisurely walk around the campus.
Planning Positive
Using 'ahead of time' expresses good planning or efficiency. It shows that someone took extra care to be prepared.

She handed in her project ahead of time, impressing her teacher.
Positive Implication
'Ahead of time' often implies eagerness or excitement about the upcoming event or appointment.

They arrived ahead of time for the concert, eager to get good seats.
Not Rushed
Being 'ahead of time' can imply that you'll have a calm and unhurried experience, without any rush.

We got there ahead of time and had a leisurely walk around the campus.
Planning Positive
Using 'ahead of time' expresses good planning or efficiency. It shows that someone took extra care to be prepared.

She handed in her project ahead of time, impressing her teacher.
Positive Implication
'Ahead of time' often implies eagerness or excitement about the upcoming event or appointment.

They arrived ahead of time for the concert, eager to get good seats.
Not Rushed
Being 'ahead of time' can imply that you'll have a calm and unhurried experience, without any rush.

We got there ahead of time and had a leisurely walk around the campus.
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