Meaning
Time is passing very quickly.
Cultural Background
Swedes are very punctual. Using 'Tiden springer iväg' is a socially acceptable way to excuse yourself from a conversation without offending the host. In meetings, the chairperson will often use this phrase to transition to the next agenda item or to end the meeting on time. It is extremely common to hear parents say this at graduations or birthdays, reflecting the cultural value placed on family milestones. On Swedish social media, you'll see this phrase used with 'time-lapse' videos or 'before and after' photos of home renovations.
The 'Fika' Exit
Use this phrase to leave a fika politely. It's the most natural way to say 'I have to go' without being blunt.
Don't forget 'iväg'
Saying just 'Tiden springer' sounds like a child's mistake. Always include 'iväg'.
Meaning
Time is passing very quickly.
The 'Fika' Exit
Use this phrase to leave a fika politely. It's the most natural way to say 'I have to go' without being blunt.
Don't forget 'iväg'
Saying just 'Tiden springer' sounds like a child's mistake. Always include 'iväg'.
Add 'verkligen'
Adding 'verkligen' (really) makes you sound much more like a native speaker: 'Tiden springer verkligen iväg!'
The Sigh
Swedes often exhale a small 'phew' or 'oj' before saying this to emphasize the surprise.
Test Yourself
Fyll i det saknade ordet i idiomet.
Vi har pratat i tre timmar! Tiden _________ verkligen iväg.
The standard form of the idiom uses the verb 'springer'.
Vilken mening är korrekt?
Välj det mest naturliga sättet att säga att tiden går fort.
You need the definite 'tiden' and the particle 'iväg'.
I vilken situation passar det bäst att säga 'Tiden springer iväg'?
Välj en situation:
The idiom is used when time passes faster than expected, usually during an enjoyable activity.
Slutför dialogen.
A: Ska vi ta en kaffe till? B: Nej, jag kan inte. _________ och jag måste hem till middagen.
This is a polite and common way to decline another coffee and leave.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Time Idioms Comparison
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi har pratat i tre timmar! Tiden _________ verkligen iväg.
The standard form of the idiom uses the verb 'springer'.
Välj det mest naturliga sättet att säga att tiden går fort.
You need the definite 'tiden' and the particle 'iväg'.
Välj en situation:
The idiom is used when time passes faster than expected, usually during an enjoyable activity.
A: Ska vi ta en kaffe till? B: Nej, jag kan inte. _________ och jag måste hem till middagen.
This is a polite and common way to decline another coffee and leave.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it's very common to use when a deadline is approaching and you feel you don't have enough time left.
Exactly the same meaning, just a different metaphor (running vs. flying).
Yes, 'The clock is running away' is a very common variation that means the same thing.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Tiden sprang iväg (Time ran away).
No, that would be sarcastic. Only use it when time feels fast.
It's a particle here, working with the verb to change its meaning.
Swedish idioms usually use the definite form for abstract concepts like time.
Often, but not always. It can also just be a neutral observation.
Yes, 'Tiden springer iväg, barnen är redan vuxna' is a perfect use case.
You could say 'Tiden bara drog', but 'springer iväg' is much more common.
It sounds like 'ee-VAYG' with a hard 'G' at the end.
Related Phrases
Tiden går fort
similarTime goes fast
Tiden rinner iväg
synonymTime is trickling away
I sista minuten
builds onAt the last minute
Att ha ont om tid
similarTo be short on time
Tiden står stilla
contrastTime stands still
