It’s about/high time
phrase
Used to say that something should be done or happen right away or very soon.
It's about time you cleaned your room.
Often appears as...
- it's about time we go
- it's about time you apologized
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Used to show irritation that something has not happened sooner.
It's high time you got a job.
Often appears as...
- it's high time you started
- it's high time they finished
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to say that something should be done or happen right away or very soon.
It's about time you cleaned your room.
Often appears as...
- it's about time we go
- it's about time you apologized
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Used to show irritation that something has not happened sooner.
It's high time you got a job.
Often appears as...
- it's high time you started
- it's high time they finished
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Implies action is overdue and should happen immediately to address a delay.
It's about time you fix that leaky faucet.
Pro Tip 2/3Mild Frustration
Often expresses a polite but firm reminder or nudge towards doing something.
It’s about time you returned the book you borrowed.
Pro Tip 3/3Impending Change
Suggests a change or decision is on the horizon and should be made soon.
It’s about time we adopted a more efficient process.
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