Time is ticking Meaning in English
expression
ˈtaɪm/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈtɪkɪŋ
TYME iz TIK-ing
tˈaɪm/ /ˈɪz/ /tˈɪkɪŋ
TYME iz TIK-ing
Definition
This expression means that there is limited time left to do something, and the remaining time is quickly passing.
Usage & Nuances
Used to create urgency, often in exams, competitions, or deadlines. Informal and idiomatic. Can be used by itself or with a warning tone. Not the same as 'time flies' (which means time passes quickly in general).
Spanish: el tiempo corre - el tiempo avanzaPortuguese (BR): o tempo está passando - o tempo está correndoPortuguese (PT): o tempo está a passar - o tempo está a correrChinese (Simplified): 时间在流逝 - 时间在滴答作响Chinese (Traditional): 時間在流逝 - 時間在滴答作響Hindi: समय निकल रहा है - समय चल रहा हैArabic: الوقت يمر - الوقت ينفدBengali: সময় ফুরিয়ে যাচ্ছে - সময় দ্রুত চলে যাচ্ছেRussian: время уходит - время тик-так идетJapanese: 時間がどんどん過ぎているVietnamese: thời gian đang trôi - thời gian không còn nhiềuKorean: 시간이 촉박하다 - 시간이 흐르고 있다Turkish: zaman daralıyor - zaman hızla akıyorUrdu: وقت کم ہے - وقت ختم ہو رہا ہےIndonesian: waktu terus berjalan - waktu hampir habis
Example Sentences
Time is ticking, so please finish your test soon.
basic
Hurry up! Time is ticking and the bus will leave soon.
basic
You need to make a decision—time is ticking.
basic
If you keep waiting, you'll miss your chance—time is ticking!
natural
Let’s wrap this up—time is ticking and we have to leave soon.
natural
Remember, time is ticking—don’t waste it on small things.
natural