high time: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “high time” mean?
The appropriate or overdue moment for something to happen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The appropriate or overdue moment for something to happen; past the time when something should have been done.
An expression used to emphasize that something should have happened already and further delay is unacceptable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or structure. Both use the idiom identically.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English as a colloquial expression of mild exasperation.
Frequency
Common in both varieties, with comparable frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “high time” in a Sentence
It's high time + (that) + subject + past simple verbIt's high time + for + nounIt's high time + to-infinitiveVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high time” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It's high time we left for the theatre.
- It was high time they apologised for the mix-up.
American English
- It's high time we left for the theater.
- It was high time they apologized for the mix-up.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"It's high time we updated our cybersecurity protocols."
Academic
"It is high time this theory was subjected to empirical testing."
Everyday
"It's high time you cleaned your room."
Technical
Rare in highly technical contexts; used in procedural or project management discussions about delays.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high time”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high time”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high time”
- Using present tense after 'high time' (e.g., 'It's high time he goes' is incorrect; correct: 'It's high time he went').
- Omitting 'it's' or 'it was'.
- Using with future reference incorrectly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The past simple tense is used, even though it refers to the present or future (e.g., 'It's high time we started'). This is a subjunctive-like construction expressing urgency.
Yes, but it is more common in speech and informal to neutral writing. In very formal academic or legal prose, alternatives like 'imperative' or 'long overdue' might be preferred.
They are very similar. 'High time' can sound slightly stronger or more formal. 'About time' is more colloquial and can sometimes be used sarcastically.
Yes, though it often implies delay. It can be used for eager anticipation (e.g., 'It's high time we celebrated!'), but the core sense of something being overdue remains.
The appropriate or overdue moment for something to happen.
High time: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “high time”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock with the hands pointing straight up to 12 o'clock — the highest point — meaning the moment has fully arrived.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A VERTICAL SCALE (the 'height' of time indicates urgency or ripeness).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'high time' correctly?