- Home
- Idioms
- all the time
all the time
all the time
1. Constantly; habitually. I hardly ever see my sister any more because she's with her boyfriend all the time. We go to that coffee shop all the time. Can't we try someplace new?
2. Ceaselessly. We don't feel it, but the Earth is moving all the time.
3. During a particular timeframe. Did you know about my surprise party all the time? I'm so impressed that you kept it a secret for so long!
all the time
1. Lit. throughout a specific period of time. Bill was stealing money for the last two years, and Tom knew it all the time. All the time through December and January, Jane held down two jobs.
2. Fig. at all times; continuously. Your blood keeps flowing all the time. That electric motor runs all the time.
3. Fig. repeatedly; habitually. She keeps a handkerchief in her hand all the time. He whistles all the time. It drives me crazy.
all the time
(spoken) 1. (spoken) very often We shop in that store all the time. This coat is really warm, and I wear it all the time.
2. continually The kids watch TV all the time. She just didn't want to stay home with children all the time.
all the time
1. Also, all the while. Throughout a specific period, as in All the time the music was playing she tapped her foot, or The baby slept all the while the fire was being put out. [Late 1400s]
2. Continuously, without interruption, as in That old refrigerator is running all the time.
3. Frequently, repeatedly, as in He goes to that store all the time.