| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| time's a wasting |
we are wasting time, we should be working
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Time's a wasting. Let's finish our work and then rest.
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| time's up |
there is no more time for the test or game etc.
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The coach checked his watch and said, "Time's up. Stop running."
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| times were hard |
it was a time of poverty, hard times
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It was 1850. Times were hard in Sweden then.
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| tin ear |
unmusical ear, unable to appreciate music
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With my tin ear, I couldn't say if she was singing flat.
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| tin Lizzie |
car, old car
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You can park your tin Lizzie over there beside the barn.
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| tip a few |
drink a few beer etc., bend your elbow
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Chuck used to tip a few when he was younger. He drank with us.
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| tip of my tongue |
(See on the tip of my tongue)
|
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| tip of the hat |
a compliment, a bit of praise, recognition, here's to
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A tip of the hat to Junko for his contribution. Thank you, Junko!
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| tip of the iceberg |
a small part of it, about one-tenth of it
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This invoice is only part of the debt - the tip of the iceberg.
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| tip the scales |
change or influence a decision, the upper hand
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If you speak two languages, it could tip the scales in your favor when you apply for a job.
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