Idioms — Set 8

Set 8 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: be ahead of its time, better late than never, like clockwork, in the nick of time, call it a day. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. be ahead of its time · idiom/bi əˈhɛd əv ɪts taɪm/

   having modern ideas and methods; advanced

   The microwave technology was ahead of its time. It was introduced in 1947 and only became popular after two decades.

   Origin: A 19th-century expression suggesting an idea or invention exists before society is ready to accept it.

2. better late than never · idiom/ˈbɛɾɚ leɪt ðæn ˈnɛvɚ/

   it is good that something happened now although you would expect it to happen earlier

   Finally, Daniel realized how much he hurt me and apologized. Well, better late than never!

   Origin: Used by the Roman historian Livy around 25 BC, then adapted into English in the 1500s.

3. like clockwork · idiom/laɪk ˈklɑkwɜrk/

   regularly; without any delays

   Said is a very good tenant paying the rent like clockwork, right on time, every month.

   Origin: Dates to the 17th century — comparing reliable regularity to the precise mechanical movement of a clock.

4. in the nick of time · idiom/ɪn ðə nɪk əv taɪm/

   the exact moment before it becomes too late

   Sue's dad had a heart attack and the emergency medical team arrived in the nick of time to save his life.

   Origin: From the 1500s — 'nick' meant a precise notch cut on a tally stick to record exact times.

5. call it a day · idiom/kɔl ɪt ə deɪ/

   to decide to stop doing an activity

   We are all exhausted. Let's call it a day and continue tomorrow.

   Origin: Originally American labor slang from the 1830s — calling an end to a worker's daily shift.