Have you ever been so busy at work that it seemed like it was time to go not long after you clocked in? Maybe you were spending time with your friends and looking up to see it was the middle of the night. If so, then the phrase time flies is an apt description of your experience. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n
The phrase time flies means that time is passing so quickly it is hard to gauge its passage. Most often this phrase is used when referring to a pleasurable event. It is also commonly used when expressing how quickly the years may have passed from the start until now. The quick passage of time is the \u201cflying\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n The phrase is used in instances of surprise or used to convey surprise. In many cases, it is paired with precursors such as: \u201cwow: \u201cI can\u2019t believe\u201d, and \u201cit seems like\u201d. Most often is used to describe a pleasurable event or when someone is having a great time.<\/p>\n \u201cTime sure does fly when you are having fun\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cKids are born and the next thing you know you are sending them to colleges, time flies like no one\u2019s business\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe heart of the one in love soars, and the mind of the loved speeds as time flies when spent together\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWow, Angela is in high school already? It seems like just yesterday she was starting 1st grade, time flies so quickly!\u201d<\/p>\n There is a saying in Latin- Tempus Fugit. This is directly translated to the phrase time flies. The expression comes from book three of Virgil\u2019s Georgics, specifically line 284. In both English and Latin, the phrase means that time is wasted. The old form of the phrase is used mainly to say don\u2019t waste time or as a motto engraved on tombstones. It has also been found on sundials or as a way to combat carpe diem.<\/p>\n The phrase time flies was first seen in print in the 1800s. However, a similar phrase with the same meaning was found earlier. Specifically, Shakespeare wrote \u201cthe swiftest hours, as they flew\u201d long before time flies. Alexander Pope was also recorded writing \u201cswiftly fly the years\u201d in advance of time flies. Both sayings hold the same meaning as time flies, which is to say that the passage of time moves quicker than is realized.<\/p>\n The phrase is very common in modern times in both print and in conversation. It can be used both formally and informally, typically when referring to an event that ended too soon. It is often attributed to drastic changes such as a child growing up into a polished adult.<\/p>\nExample Usage<\/h2>\n
Origin<\/h2>\n