Tick-tock talk!

Do these 10 expressions show your age, or not? 10 timeless expressions

Image: Aron Visuals

Time has a funny way of sneaking up on us, doesn’t it? One moment you’re checking the clock, and the next you’re wondering where the day went. Over the years, we’ve come up with all kinds of phrases about time that capture life’s ups and downs. Today, we’re diving into some of the most popular time-related idioms and what they really mean. So grab a coffee (or tea), sit back, and let’s have some fun with these timeless expressions. After all, it’s never too late to learn something new—is it?

Image: Kym MacKinnon

Have you ever heard someone say, "That only happens once in a blue moon"? They’re talking about something so rare it might as well be mythical—like spotting a unicorn or winning the lottery (one can only wish!).

Fun fact: a blue moon isn’t actually blue; it’s just the second full moon in a calendar month, and it only appears about once every two to three years. When it does, it shines bigger and brighter, and it’s so rare that when one comes your way, you just have to stop and soak it in. Life might not hand us many, but that’s what makes them unforgettable. And hey—who doesn’t love a good excuse to celebrate?

Image: Kevin Ku

We strongly advise against killing anything, let alone time! "Killing time" may sound grim, but it’s really about finding ways to pass idle hours.

This idiom originated in the 18th century as a way to describe the boredom of waiting for something to happen. Maybe you do a crossword puzzle, take a quick walk, or call a friend—killing time can actually be a productive and enjoyable activity, even if that’s not always the case.

Waiting doesn’t have to feel like a waste; it can be an opportunity in disguise. Next time you’re stuck waiting, think of it as a chance to recharge. After all, you know how the saying goes: a watched pot never boils!

Image: Morgan Housel

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could actually turn back the clock? Who hasn’t dreamed of going back in time to relive that wonderful family trip? Well, to "turn back the hands of time" means longing for days gone by.

Maybe you’d relive a favorite holiday, enjoy your kids as little ones again, or undo a choice you wish you’d made differently. Of course, we can’t literally rewind time (no magic clocks over here!), but looking back can still bring us joy.

Even if it feels a bit nostalgic, we have to remember to enjoy the here and now—after all, time moves forward, not backward. Nostalgia is a beautiful thing, but so is creating new memories. Don’t you think?

Image: Phil Desforges

Picture a small tear in your favorite sweater—if you sew it up now, you’re golden. Ignore it, and soon you’ve got a hole big enough to regret. This oldie-but-goodie is all about the value of fixing small problems before they become big ones. Don’t you just love it when that happens?

First recorded in the 18th century, the phrase compares timely action to mending a tear in fabric before it worsens. Procrastination? No sir, we don’t know that road around here.

Why wait for trouble to snowball when you can nip it in the bud? A stitch in time saves nine!

Image: Szűcs László

Well, aren’t we feeling confident? Yes, we are—time is on our side! This phrase was already popular, but it skyrocketed when The Rolling Stones released a song with that title.

This idiom is all about confidence and positivity. It suggests that time can be an ally in helping us achieve goals or solve problems. But remember: time is also a synonym for patience.

If you’re someone who lets things unfold naturally, then this phrase is for you. But if that’s not the case, it might be worth reflecting on how rushing things often leads to mistakes. Time, when treated with care, can work wonders for personal growth and healing. So why not embrace the idea that life has a way of working itself out?

Image: Niklas Rhöse

If you’ve ever slid into a meeting just as it started or saved dinner from burning seconds before disaster struck, you’ve experienced an "in the nick of time" moment.

This phrase is for those close calls that get your heart racing but leave you feeling like a pro. It’s like living life on the edge—but with a happy ending. And hey, isn’t there something thrilling about pulling it off just in time?

Of course, it’s not exactly the most stress-free way to live, so maybe try to keep these moments to a minimum. But when they do happen, you might as well give yourself a pat on the back. You nailed it—barely, but still!

Image: Djim Loic

Life is full of surprises and uncertainties, and no matter how much we try to predict or anticipate what’s going to happen, life always finds a way to catch us off guard. So, it’s only a matter of time before that next surprise arrives.

"Only time will tell" is a reminder that the future is full of uncertainties. This idiom suggests that some answers can only reveal themselves over time. Yes, you got it right—it’s all about patience!

Sometimes, the best approach is to let go and trust the process. So sit back and let time do its magic—there’s no rushing the future!

Image: Wil Stewart

This phrase may seem gloomy, but it’s all about perspective. As we said, life is full of uncertainties—but death isn’t one of them. We’re all going to die, that much we know. But some people live longer than expected, so we say they’re living "on borrowed time."

Not that they owe anything to anyone—this expression describes the second chance you get after a close call or a health scare.

Gloomy? Maybe. But it’s also a phrase that carries a sense of gratitude and urgency. Every day becomes a bonus—a chance to savor life’s small joys and big adventures. And if we’re lucky enough to get a second chance, why not make the most of every borrowed moment?

Image: Gian Prosdocimo

Ever find yourself rushing to get something done just before time runs out? That’s what it means to "beat the clock," and let’s be honest—it’s a bit of a rush! Whether it’s racing to meet a deadline, dashing to the store before it closes, or wrapping up a project with seconds to spare, we’ve all been there.

The phrase likely came from sports or games where every second counts, but now it’s part of everyday life. Sure, it can be stressful—but doesn’t it feel amazing when you pull it off? Beating the clock is like a little personal victory over time itself. Just don’t make it a habit. Sometimes, slow and steady really does win the race.

Image: Ahmad Ossayli

To wrap it up, let’s go to the opposite end of the time spectrum and talk about those moments when we feel like time is all we’ve got: We’re having "a whale of a time," which means enjoying ourselves immensely, like a kid on a rollercoaster.

This playful idiom likely comes from the image of a huge whale, symbolizing something big and unforgettable. It’s often used to describe vacations, family gatherings, or even a good laugh with friends.

You know those moments of pure joy—the ones that remind us that life doesn’t have to be all work and worry? Fun and laughter are timeless treasures that keep the spirit young. Next time you’re with loved ones, make it a point to have a whale of a time. After all, life’s best memories are built on it!

BEYOND THE MYTH

10 Surprising Facts About Abe Lincoln You Probably Didn't Know

Image: Caleb Fisher

Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most revered presidents, is a man whose sagacious leadership steered the country during its most tumultuous periods. But beyond the larger-than-life figure lies a man of intriguing depth. Join us to learn 10 curious facts about Honest Abe that you probably didn’t know!

Image: Siora Photography

Abraham Lincoln holds the distinction of being the tallest president in American history, standing at a towering height of 6 feet 4 inches. His imposing stature often commanded attention, both in the political arena and among his peers. Despite his remarkable height, Lincoln's presence was characterized by a gentle demeanor and humble disposition.

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

Lincoln wasn't just a formidable politician; he was also an accomplished wrestler. Allegedly, early in his career, he defeated a local bully in a wrestling match, becoming the town hero. In any case, his strength and skill in the ring earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent. Amassing 300 victories over 12 years, he was only defeated once, by fellow soldier Lorenzo Dow Thompson during the Black Hawk War of 1832.

Image: Pawel Czerwinski

Contrary to popular belief, Lincoln's voice didn't match his towering stature. Instead of a deep, booming voice, he spoke in a surprisingly high-pitched tone. The somewhat unexpected tone of his voice, however, didn’t take away from his powerful speeches, and any perceived awkwardness was soon overshadowed by his wisdom and ideas.

Image: Bjarne Vijfvinkel

Before he entered politics, Lincoln co-owned a general store and drinking establishment called Berry and Lincoln in New Salem, Illinois. It was here that he obtained a license to sell liquor, making him a licensed bartender. However, the joint venture soon ran into debt, and Lincoln wasn’t able to fully recover economically until he became a Congressman.

Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons

Lincoln's iconic stovepipe hat wasn't just a fashion statement; it served as a convenient storage space for his notes and documents. He would tuck memos or important notes inside his hat, utilizing its ample space to keep his thoughts organized while working or reading. This quirky habit - one of many, actually - illustrates Lincoln's pragmatic personality and wit.

Image: Clark Young

Despite his rugged appearance, Lincoln had a soft spot for poetry. As a teenager, he often wrote short stanzas and satirical verses on the flyleaves of books, and later in life, he worked on longer poems, some of which he published or sent in letters to close friends. One of his longer works, My Childhood-Home I See Again, dealt with his feelings of melancholy and yearning upon visiting his childhood home.

Image: Sven Mieke

Lincoln was far more than just a skilled politician, he often liked to tinker with things, making up solutions to various problems. Proof of this is that, in 1849, while serving in Congress, he was granted a patent for a device that could lift boats over shallow waters or other obstructions in a river. Though he never saw it in action, his invention demonstrated his innovative spirit.

Image: Zeke Tucker

Lincoln adored cats and was often seen playing with his cats Tabby and Dixie in the White House. In fact, he was quite a cat person, and during the war, he rescued motherless kittens every time he could. His fondness for animals, in general, was well known, and he let his sons keep as many pets as they wished, resulting in quite a menagerie living within the White House premises, including rabbits, turkeys, horses, and two beloved goats called Nanny and Nanko.

Image: Josh Sorenson

Lincoln's iconic facial hair wasn't always a part of his look. He allegedly grew it at the suggestion of Grace Bedell of Westfield, New York, an 11-year-old girl who wrote to him, claiming it would improve his appearance because "his face was so thin" and it would earn him more votes. While it is unknown whether she actually influenced his decision to grow a beard, he began to grow his distinctive beard soon afterward.

Image: Metin Ozer

Despite the immense pressures of leading a nation during a tumultuous time, Lincoln remained remarkably laid-back in his approach to fatherhood. He enjoyed spending time with his children, often engaging in playful activities and games with them. Julia Taft Bayne - a close friend of the Lincoln family - recalled in her memoirs that one time, both Lincoln’s sons barged into his office and asked him to pardon a doll accused of spying. Their father willingly played along, and then sighed to his secretary, "And I only wish they were all that easy."