WordValetime flies
time passes quickly
In more detail
time passes very quickly, especially when you are enjoying yourself or are busy
Examples
- Time flies when you're having fun at the party.
How to use time flies
This is an idiomatic expression typically used to express surprise or reflection about how quickly a period of time has passed. It is most common in conversational English and often occurs in the phrase 'time flies when you're having fun.' The expression conveys a mild sense of wonder or nostalgia and is neutral to slightly informal in tone.
Common phrases
- time flies when you're having fun
- time flies so fast
- doesn't time fly
- time flies by
- how time flies
Synonyms
time passes quickly · the time goes by fast · hours slip away · time goes in a flash · time rushes by
A common mistake
Learners sometimes try to construct similar phrases with different verbs (like 'time goes' or 'time runs'), missing that 'flies' is the standard, idiomatic choice in English.
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