HAVE TIME Meaning and
Definition
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"Have time" is a phrase commonly used to express availability or a lack of time for certain activities or tasks. It refers to the possession or existence of a period or interval of free or unoccupied time that can be devoted to a particular purpose or activity.
The phrase typically implies that a person has a window of time during which they can dedicate themselves to something specific, such as completing a task, engaging in a leisure activity, or spending time with someone. It highlights the ability to allocate or reserve time for a particular endeavor.
When someone says they "have time," it often suggests that they are not busy or preoccupied with other commitments or obligations and can therefore accommodate the requested activity or effort. It conveys a sense of availability or flexibility in one's schedule.
Conversely, the phrase may also be used to indicate a lack of time, emphasizing the absence or unavailability of a suitable timeframe to engage in a specific activity. In this context, it can imply being too busy or having numerous commitments that prevent the allocation of time for the requested purpose.
Overall, "having time" signifies the possession or absence of an open period to engage in a particular endeavor, conveying either availability or the lack thereof.
Etymology of HAVE TIME
The word "time" has its origins in the Old English word "tīma", which meant "a measure, a limited portion of time". This word eventually evolved into Middle English, where "tyme" or "time" came to denote "a particular period or part of duration". Meanwhile, the word "have" comes from the Old English word "habban", which meant "to possess, own, hold". The phrase "have time" can be understood as combining these two words to express the possession or availability of a period or portion of duration.
Idioms with the word HAVE TIME
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I don't have time to catch my breath
The idiom "I don't have time to catch my breath" means that someone is feeling overwhelmed or extremely busy and doesn't have a moment to rest or relax. It signifies a non-stop, hectic pace of life.
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have time
To have time means to be available to do something or to have enough time to complete a task.
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have time on side
To have time on one's side means to have enough time available to accomplish something successfully or easily, without feeling rushed or pressured. It suggests that having sufficient time can be advantageous in achieving a desired outcome.
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have time on your hands
Having time on your hands means having free time or being idle with nothing to do.
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have time to kill
To have an abundance of free time with nothing specific to do; to have extra time available to fill with activities.
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have time on your side, at time is on sb's side
This idiom means to have the advantage of having plenty of time available, giving one the opportunity to achieve or accomplish something without feeling rushed or pressured. It implies that time is working in one's favor.
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hardly have time to breathe
The idiom "hardly have time to breathe" means to be extremely busy or overwhelmed with tasks, responsibilities, or commitments to the point where one feels like they have no time for rest or relaxation.
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have time on (one's) hands
To have free time or be idle; to have nothing to do.
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have time on hands
"Have time on hands" means to have a surplus of free time available, often due to having completed all necessary tasks or responsibilities.
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hardly have time to think
The idiom "hardly have time to think" means being very busy or constantly occupied with tasks, to the point where one does not have any spare time or opportunity for reflection or contemplation.
