HIGH TIME Meaning and
Definition
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High time is an idiomatic expression used to emphasize that something should have happened sooner or must happen immediately. It conveys a sense of urgency and implies that significant delay has already occurred. The phrase often carries a tone of impatience or frustration, underscoring the belief that action should have been taken or an event should have occurred without further delay.
Originating from the concept of the measurement of time, "high time" captures the notion that there is a critical moment or a peak period when a particular action or event needs to take place. It suggests that the situation has now reached a point where further delay would be inappropriate, problematic, or even detrimental.
The expression is frequently used to indicate that someone has waited too long before acting, or that a situation has persisted beyond a reasonable timeframe. It can also be employed to highlight the need for a long-overdue change or to prompt someone to take long-overdue action.
In a nutshell, "high time" embodies an urgent call for immediate action or change because the appropriate time has either arrived or is long overdue. It conveys the sentiment that further delay is no longer tolerable, and the matter in question must be addressed without any further hesitation.
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Time at which a thing must be attended to.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HIGH TIME
- gigh time
- nigh time
- jigh time
- uigh time
- yigh time
- hugh time
- hjgh time
- hkgh time
- hogh time
- h9gh time
- h8gh time
- hifh time
- hivh time
- hibh time
- hihh time
- hiyh time
- hith time
- higg time
- higb time
Etymology of HIGH TIME
The phrase "high time" comes from Middle English and has its origins in the Old English word "hēah", which means "high" or "tall". In this context, "high" refers to something being at its peak or utmost point. The word "time" also comes from Old English and has remained relatively unchanged in meaning since then. Therefore, "high time" essentially conveys the idea of a particular moment being the pinnacle or opportune moment for something to occur.
Idioms with the word HIGH TIME
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it's high time
The idiom "it's high time" means that something should have happened or been done a long time ago and it is now overdue or urgent. It is often used to express impatience or frustration with a delayed action or situation.
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it is high time
The idiom "it is high time" means that something should have happened or been done a long time ago and it is now urgent or overdue for it to occur.
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it is high time that
The idiom "it is high time that" is used to express that something should have happened or should be done immediately because it has already been delayed or overdue for a long time.
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high time
It is used to indicate that it is past time for something to happen or be done; long overdue.
Similar spelling words for HIGH TIME
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