Time flies. The quiz does not have to.
Expressions for sooner, later, and just in time.
Ten questions, with the answers explained. Try them in your head, then open each answer when you're ready.
Play this quiz →QUESTION 1 / 10
In everyday English, what does "in the nick of time" mean?
- After everyone leaves
- Several days early
- At an unknown date
- Just before it is too late
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Just before it is too late
Arriving in the nick of time means you made it with almost no time to spare.
QUESTION 2 / 10
In everyday English, what does "around the clock" mean?
- Once a week
- Continuously, day and night
- In a circular room
- Only at noon
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Continuously, day and night
Around-the-clock work or service continues through the full day and night.
QUESTION 3 / 10
In everyday English, what does "at the eleventh hour" mean?
- A month ahead
- At sunrise
- At the last moment
- Exactly at eleven every day
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At the last moment
An eleventh-hour change comes very late in the process.
QUESTION 4 / 10
In everyday English, what does "better late than never" mean?
- Never start anything
- The deadline does not exist
- Lateness is always harmless
- Doing it late is preferable to not doing it
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Doing it late is preferable to not doing it
The phrase welcomes a delayed action rather than its complete absence.
QUESTION 5 / 10
In everyday English, what does "in no time" mean?
- Without a clock
- Never
- Very quickly
- After many years
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Very quickly
If you finish in no time, you finish surprisingly fast.
QUESTION 6 / 10
In everyday English, what does "for the time being" mean?
- Without any delay
- For now
- Only yesterday
- Forever
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For now
A plan for the time being is temporary and may change later.
QUESTION 7 / 10
In everyday English, what does "ahead of your time" mean?
- Being older than expected
- Having ideas more advanced than others of your era
- Always arriving early
- Owning many watches
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Having ideas more advanced than others of your era
Someone ahead of their time may be appreciated more fully by later generations.
QUESTION 8 / 10
In everyday English, what does "behind the times" mean?
- Outdated
- Standing at the rear
- Very futuristic
- Always late for lunch
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Outdated
Something behind the times has not kept up with changes.
QUESTION 9 / 10
In everyday English, what does "lose track of time" mean?
- Stop noticing how much time has passed
- Change time zones
- Forget today's date only
- Break a watch
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Stop noticing how much time has passed
A good conversation can make you lose track of time.
QUESTION 10 / 10
In everyday English, what does "the time of your life" mean?
- A medical appointment
- A long work shift
- An exceptionally enjoyable experience
- Your exact age
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An exceptionally enjoyable experience
Having the time of your life means enjoying yourself enormously.