Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
6th September 2024

About time

We use this expression to say that we think someone should have done something before, or something should have happened before. It's common when people are late.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
Here's Phil - he's coming around the corner now.
About time. I've been waiting for 20 minutes.
Example 2
They've finally mended the pavement by the shops.
About time! It's been like that for years.

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