⏱️ Time of Day: Idioms and Expressions to Get You Through the Hours ☀️🌙
Idioms and Expressions:
-
To Give Someone the Time of Day: To acknowledge or pay attention to someone. Originally meant to stop and give someone the actual time, from which it evolved to a broader sense of acknowledging their existence.
Synonyms: Recognize, notice, acknowledge.
Antonyms: Ignore, overlook, snub.
Example in Literature: In Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, one could argue that Joe Gargery is initially not given the metaphorical “time of day” by Pip once Pip heads to London.
Humor-Filled Quote: “If ’time is money,’ being ignored must save you a fortune!” — Anon
Reference: The idiom has origins in the social etiquette of yesteryears when knowing the exact time was a privilege, and acknowledging someone enough to share it was considered polite.
-
Bright and Early: Refers to something happening soon after sunrise or first thing in the morning.
Synonyms: Early, dawn, first thing.
Antonyms: Late, night, midnight.
Humor-Filled Quote: “The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” — Anon
Suggested Literature: “Morning Poems by Robert Bly.
Suggested Song: “Morning has Broken” by Cat Stevens.
-
Burning the Midnight Oil: Working late into the night.
Synonyms: Uphill battle, night owl, stay up late.
Antonyms: Go to bed early, lazy, morning person.
Reference: From back when oil lamps were a primary source of light, staying up late implied consuming oil.
Suggested Book: “The Great Gatsby” where many a late-night gathering could be attributed to this idiom.
-
Around the Clock: Operating continuously, 24 hours a day.
Synonyms: Non-stop, all-day, continuously.
Antonyms: Intermittent, stop-and-go, periodically.
Inspirational Thought: “Time isn’t the main thing, it’s the only thing.” — Miles Davis
Reference: Much used in the context of work or customer service.
Quizzes:
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
Remember, whether you’re burning the midnight oil or enjoying the bright early morning, time is a consistent companion. Acknowledge those around you, savor each moment, and sprinkle a bit of humor generously throughout your day. — L.T. Laughsalot
