idioms involving “time”

Big time

A lot (used for emphasis)

“The boss doesn’t like surprises and he is about to be surprised big time.”

Hit the big time

To achieve success

“Sakurai-san worked as a fashion designer for 20 years before she hit the big time in Paris.”

Live on borrowed time

To be near death

“The venture capital funds are depleted so the start-up business is living on borrowed time.”

Mark time

To wait to see how a situation develops

“Until the budget talks are finished, we can only mark time.”

Time on one’s hands

Free time, available time

“Ask Yoneda-san to help update the website. She has time on her hands.”