time ) outside working hours; without being paid: I painted mostly in my own time in time 1 not late; punctual: I came back in time for Molly's party 2 eventually: there is the danger that he might, in time, not be able to withstand temptation 3 in accordance with the appropriate musical rhythm or tempo. keep good (or bad ) time 1 (of a clock or watch) record time accurately (or inaccurately). 2 (of a person) be habitually punctual (or not punctual). keep time lay or rhythmically accompany music in time. lose no time do a specified thing as soon as possible: the administration lost no time in trying to regain the initiative not before time used to convey that something now happening or about to happen should have happened earlier: a new law is proposed to curb this type of blatantly dishonest description, and not before time no time a very short interval or period: the renovations were done in no time on time unctual; punctually: the train was on time we paid our bills on time out of time at the wrong time or period: I felt that I was born out of time pass the time of day exchange greetings or casual remarks. time after time (also time and again or time and time again ) on very many occasions; repeatedly. time and tide wait for no man roverb if you don't make use of a favourable opportunity, you may never get the same chance again.