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lose time

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lose time

to take longer We lost a lot of time because we went north instead of south and had to turn around and go back.

See also: lose, time

lose time

1. Operate too slowly. For example, My watch loses time, or This clock loses five minutes a day. This usage is always applied to a timepiece. [Mid-1800s]

2. Waste time, delay, as in We wanted to paint the entire porch today, but we lost time trying to find a color that matched the house . This expression is sometimes put negatively as lose no time, meaning "act immediately" or "not delay," as in We must lose no time in getting him to the hospital. [Late 1500s] Also see make up for lost time.

See also: lose, time

lose time

1. To operate too slowly. Used of a timepiece.

2. To delay advancement.

See also: lose, time