“Time Flies” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 17, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Time flies” is a common idiomatic saying that you might often hear or read in everyday conversations. This reference will guide you through the meaning of this phrase and its origin.

You will explore examples of how to use it correctly and discover other ways to express the concept in more literal terms. These insights aim to enhance your communication skills by incorporating varied expressions and phrases into your vocabulary.

Time Flies Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Time flies” means that time passes very quickly, often without people noticing. It’s commonly used to express surprise at how fast time goes by, especially when looking back on past events or experiences.
Time Flies Meaning
Time Flies Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Time Flies Meaning

The phrase “time flies” means that time seems to pass very quickly, often without people realizing how fast it’s moving. It’s commonly used to express surprise at how quickly time has gone by, especially when reflecting on past events.

  • “I can’t believe it’s already October—time flies!”
  • “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
  • “My kids are growing up so fast, it feels like time flies.”

Origin of this Idiomatic Expression

This phrase comes from the Latin phrase tempus fugit. In English, this term translated to time flies. The phrase first appeared in Latin in a book of poems titled Georgics written by Virgil. The poems were most likely written in 29 B.C., making this one of the oldest idiomatic phrases. It was translated and became widely used in the English language over many years. The expression compares time to birds and flight, symbolizing how you can see birds in the sky flying and before you know it they are gone from sight.

Usage of “Time Flies”

Here are some examples of how to use “time flies”:

  1. In casual conversation: “Wow, it’s already been five years since we graduated. Time flies!”
  2. When reminiscing: “It feels like just yesterday we were kids, but now time flies and we’re all grown up.”
  3. In a fun moment: “We had such a great time at the party! Time flies when you’re having fun.”
  4. Reflecting on the past: “It’s amazing how quickly the summer went by—time really flies.”

Related Terms to “Time Flies”

  • Tempus fugit – A Latin phrase meaning “time flies,” often used in a more formal or literary context.
  • In the blink of an eye – Emphasizes how quickly something happens, almost instantaneously.
  • Before you know it – Suggests that time passes quickly, often without realizing it.
  • Time waits for no one – Implies that time moves on regardless of whether you’re ready or not.
  • Gone in a flash – Refers to something happening or disappearing very quickly.
  • Fleeting – Describes something that lasts for only a short time, emphasizing its transience.
  • Here today, gone tomorrow – Highlights the temporary nature of time and things.
  • A moment in time – Refers to a brief period, often emphasizing how short-lived it is.
  • Out of sight, out of mind – Refers to how quickly things are forgotten over time.
  • Passing moment – Indicates that a moment or period of time is temporary and quickly gone.

Other Ways to Say “Time Flies”

Like most idiomatic phrases, there are many other ways to say “time flies” and still convey the same meaning. Some of the things you could say instead include:

  • Time moves so quickly
  • Time moves in the blink of an eye
  • Time seems to move fast
  • Time passes very quickly
  • Time flies like an arrow

“Time Flies” Examples

Examples in Statements

A response recorded by a news reporter on the upcoming elections.

  • “It seems that we just voted not that long ago. How time flies!”

A statement made by a celebrity winning a Lifetime Achievement Award.

  • “Here I am winning this Lifetime Achievement Award and I still feel like my career just started. Time flies when you have a career and not just a job.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two friends in a limousine on the way home from their prom.

  • Friend 1: I can’t believe that prom is over already!
  • Friend 2: I know! Me neither. I planned for months for this day and now it’s just over.
  • Friend 1: Time flies when you are having fun, I guess!

A conversation between two friends talking about their children.

  • Friend 1: I cannot believe that today is Chris’s fifth birthday.
  • Friend 2: Yeah, Caitlynn will be six in July!
  • Friend 1: Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday we bought them home from the hospital.
  • Friend 2: I guess that’s why my mom said to cherish every moment because time flies!

More useful examples:

  • Time flies like an arrow , and time lost never returns.
  • Time flies when you’re having fun.
  • Along with the time flies we grew up gradually,become increasingly miss myself benighted.
  • Let’s begone, how time flies!
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)