Significado
Time is a valuable resource, and it should not be wasted.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is deeply tied to the 'American Dream' and the work ethic of the early settlers. It is often used without any irony to praise someone who works very fast. While used in business, it can sometimes be seen as slightly 'crass' or overly aggressive in polite social circles. British speakers might prefer 'Time is of the essence' in formal settings. Punctuality is a core cultural value. 'Zeit ist Geld' is taken very seriously; being five minutes late to a meeting is often viewed as a financial disrespect. In Southern Italy, the 'dolce far niente' (the sweetness of doing nothing) philosophy often clashes with the 'time is money' mindset, which is more prevalent in the industrial North.
Use it to justify costs
If you are buying an expensive tool that saves you time, use this phrase to explain the purchase to others.
Don't be too aggressive
Saying this too often can make you sound like you only care about profit and not about people.
Significado
Time is a valuable resource, and it should not be wasted.
Use it to justify costs
If you are buying an expensive tool that saves you time, use this phrase to explain the purchase to others.
Don't be too aggressive
Saying this too often can make you sound like you only care about profit and not about people.
The 'Contract' version
If you are writing a business email, 'Time is of the essence' sounds more professional than 'Time is money'.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb.
Don't waste your afternoon! Remember, time is ______.
The standard English proverb is 'Time is money'.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Time is money'?
Choose the best context:
'Time is money' is a business-centric phrase about efficiency.
Choose the best response.
Boss: 'Why is this taking so long?' Employee: 'I'm sorry, I'll hurry up. I know that _______.'
Option A is the correct fixed form of the proverb.
Identify the grammatical error.
Which sentence is WRONG?
We do not use 'the' before 'time' or 'money' in this proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Where to use 'Time is Money'
Good Contexts
- • Offices
- • Factories
- • Taxis
- • Sales
Bad Contexts
- • Parties
- • Funerals
- • Dates
- • Bedtime
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosDon't waste your afternoon! Remember, time is ______.
The standard English proverb is 'Time is money'.
Choose the best context:
'Time is money' is a business-centric phrase about efficiency.
Boss: 'Why is this taking so long?' Employee: 'I'm sorry, I'll hurry up. I know that _______.'
Option A is the correct fixed form of the proverb.
Which sentence is WRONG?
We do not use 'the' before 'time' or 'money' in this proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is considered a proverb because it offers a piece of advice or a general truth about life.
Not usually. While logically similar, the proverb is fixed as 'Time is money'. 'Money is time' doesn't have a standard meaning.
Benjamin Franklin is the most famous person to use it in English (1748), though the idea is much older.
It can be. It's better to use it when you are explaining why *you* are working fast, rather than telling your boss to hurry up.
There isn't one direct proverb, but 'Stop and smell the roses' is a good opposite, as it encourages slowing down.
No. It can just mean that time is valuable and shouldn't be wasted on things that don't help you reach your goals.
This is usually a literal translation from languages like Spanish or Chinese. In English, it's almost always 'money'.
Yes, it is used throughout the English-speaking world, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Yes! It's very common to text 'Gotta go, time is money!' when you are busy.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.
Frases relacionadas
Time is of the essence
similarTime is a critical factor and must not be wasted.
To kill time
contrastTo do something unimportant while waiting for something else.
On the clock
builds onCurrently working and being paid by the hour.
Time flies
similarTime passes very quickly.
