Tick-tock talk!

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

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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?

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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?

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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!

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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?

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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!

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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?

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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!

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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!

Final words

That's all folks: 12 famous epitaphs that are the stars of the cemetery

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Derived from the Greek epitaphios meaning "a funeral oration," epitaphs are quotations or phrases carved on a grave to honor a deceased person. These poignant inscriptions —some written with a great sense of humor— portray the final thoughts and legacy of the departed. From famous writers to rockstars and Wild West outlaws, here's a selection of our 12 favorite celebrity epitaphs!

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The epitaph inscribed on Emily Dickinson's tomb reflects her characteristically concise style: "Born Dec.10.1830, Called back May.15.1886". This inscription, simple yet loaded with meaning, captures the essence of her work, marked by an economy of words and emotional depth.

The phrase is taken from what is believed to be her last letter, which simply read: "Little Cousins, Called Back. Emily." In addition, Called Back is the title of a novella by Hugh Conway that the poet was fond of. Dickinson, one of the most important figures in American poetry, lived a life of isolation but left a poetic legacy that continues to resonate with readers even today.

Credit: By Steven Pavlov - Own work, CC0

Jimi Hendrix, one of the most influential guitarists in rock and roll history, left a simple but powerful epitaph: "Forever in Our Hearts". This inscription, along with a carved Stratocaster guitar, celebrates his contribution to the world of music and his lasting impact on his fans.

Hendrix, known for his virtuosity and innovative style, remains an iconic figure in the music world despite dying at a young age. Thanks to this epitaph, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in future generations.

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Mel Blanc, the legendary voice actor known for voicing iconic Looney Tunes characters, left an epitaph featuring his most famous catchphrase: "That's all folks".

This iconic line from the cartoons that entertained generations of viewers pays tribute to his career and his impact on popular culture. Blanc, who lent his voice to characters such as Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, and Daffy Duck, remains a beloved figure, and his epitaph ensures that the laughs will go on forever.

Credit: By KRichter - probably own picture (see original filename), Public Domain

Edgar Allan Poe was best known for his gothic poetry and short stories. Despite being one of America's most famous writers, his grave remained unmarked after his death. Twenty-five years later, his family managed to raise enough money to install an epitaph honoring his most famous poem, "The Raven."

Edgar Allan Poe's epitaph reads: "Quoth the raven, ‘Nevermore.’" The connection between his resting place and his most celebrated work emphasizes Poe's lasting influence on literature, ensuring that his legacy will continue to fascinate and inspire future generations of readers.

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Film director Billy Wilder, known for films such as Sunset Boulevard, Sabrina, and The Seven Year Itch, had a keen sense of humor. So it's no wonder he left an epitaph that reflects his knack for satire and his distinctive wit.

"I'm a writer, but then nobody's perfect" is the inscription on the grave of the seven-time Academy Award-winning director, a reference to the iconic final line of his film Some Like It Hot. This epitaph not only pays tribute to his film career but also attests to his ironic and positive perspective on life.

Credit: By JayHenry - Own work, Public Domain

Francis Scott Fitzgerald, one of the best American novelists of the 20th century, is best known for his fabulous portrayal of the 1920s Jazz Age. Fitzgerald lived like his characters, surrounded by glamour, melancholy, and excess. Unfortunately, his career, though successful, was short. He died of a heart attack at the age of 44 and is now buried alongside his wife Zelda at St. Mary's Church Historic Cemetery in Rockville, Maryland.

Written on their gravestone is the last line from his greatest novel, The Great Gatsby: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

Credit: By Don English (1901-1964); Paramount Pictures - Heritage Auctions, Public Domain

Marlene Dietrich, the iconic German-American actress and singer, left an epitaph that reflects her elegance and poetic sense: "Hier steh ich an den Marken meiner Tage" ("Here I am standing at the border stones of my days").

Dietrich, known for her glamorous persona and exotic looks, was one of the highest-paid actresses of Hollywood's golden age. The phrase on her gravestone in Berlin, though laden with melancholy, is also a tribute to her career in the arts, and her lifelong humanitarian efforts.

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Jim Morrison, the charismatic leader of The Doors, left an epitaph that reflects his rebellious spirit and philosophy of life: "Kata ton daimona eaytoy" ("True to his own spirit", in classical Greek).

This inscription is carved on a bronze plaque at his resting place at the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris, one of the most visited graves by fans from all over the world. The simple but poignant phrase manages to convey the essence of Morrison as an artist who lived by his own rules. His epitaph, as well as his musical and poetic legacy, continues to inspire those who seek to live authentically.

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Jesse James, the famous Wild West outlaw, was treacherously murdered by his friend Robert Ford when he was only 34 years old. His mother, outraged by this heinous act, recorded her grievance on his epitaph: "Murdered by a traitor and coward whose name is not worthy to appear here."

This inscription, loaded with resentment, reflects the controversy and myth surrounding the figure of James. The original grave site is located in the backyard of the James family farm in Kearney, Missouri. The Jesse James Birthplace Museum, open for tours, displays family artifacts and, of course, Jesse's original epitaph.

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Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the popular British rock group Queen, has one of the most famous epitaphs among rock stars. Freddie died at the young age of 45 and was cremated at West London Crematorium in Kensal Green Cemetery, where there is now a cenotaph in his honor that reads: "Lover of life, singer of songs".

The touching phrase, penned by bandmate Brian May, accurately describes the complex figure of one of the greatest showmen ever. Freddie’s theatrical stage appearances captured the world's attention in the 1970s but he will always be remembered for his incredible voice, flamboyant style, and unparalleled talent.

Credit: By Diagram Lajard - Own work, Public Domain

Frank Sinatra, legendary singer and actor, left an epitaph that reflects his unwavering optimism: "The best is yet to come". This phrase, which is also the title of one of his most famous songs, embodies a sense of hope and the promise of a better future.

For his fans, Sinatra's epitaph is a reminder of his musical legacy and indomitable spirit. But it is also a testament to his enormous legacy, a wonderful voice that will continue to resonate long after he is gone.

Credit: By Syd Storm - Own work, CC0

John Keats, one of the great British poets of Romanticism, died of tuberculosis in 1821 when he was only 25 years old. Despite his young age, he left us a remarkable body of work that remains among the most popular and analyzed in English literature still to this day.

Knowing himself to be very ill, Keats had only one last wish, to be buried under a tombstone bearing no name or date, only the words, "Here lies One whose Name was writ in Water." Pretty poetic, don’t you think?