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Region: General | Usage example: In the contract, time of the essence made the deadline fixed.

Time of the essence

Meaning

Timing is critically important.

Usage

Used in legal or scheduling contexts.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Legal phrase specifying importance of time.

Used since the 19th century in law.

Related Idioms

Time after time

Repeatedly; consistently.

Time and time again

Repeatedly over and over.

A stitch in time saves nine

Fixing small problems now prevents bigger ones later.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.