Make Time: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
October 24, 2023

To "make time" means to arrange one's schedule or priorities to do something or see someone that is important or enjoyable. It can also pertain to flirting or courting someone, usually with romantic intentions.

In short:

  • It refers to organizing one's timetable to spend time with someone.
  • It can also refer to courting someone with a romantic intent.

What Does "Make Time" Mean?

The idiom "make time" has two primary meanings depending on the context and situation.

  • The first meaning is to allot or find some time in one's busy schedule to do something or see someone that is important. This meaning implies that one has to try to create some free time for a particular activity or person. For example, if you say, "I have to make time to go to the gym," you have to adjust your schedule or give up something else to fit in some exercise.
  • The second meaning is to flirt or court someone, usually with romantic intentions. This meaning is slang and informal, and it may suggest that one is moving forward with someone. For example, if you say, "He's making time with her," it means he is trying to impress or get closer to her.

Where Does "Make Time" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "make time" is unclear, but it may have come from compensating for lost time or making good use of one's time. This sense may have derived from the earlier phrase "to make good time," which meant "to travel at a satisfactory rate; to arrive in good time."

10 Examples of "Make Time" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this phrase in sentences:

  • No mean feat. I need to make time to work on my project before the deadline.
  • Oh, snap. He's trying to make time with her, but she's not interested.
  • She always makes time for her friends, no matter how busy she is.
  • He didn't make time for his family and regretted it later. That's too bad.
  • He couldn't make time for his hobbies because he had too much work.
  • Real talk: I need to make time for my daily meditation practice. I'm stressed.
  • What's going on? Can you make time for a quick meeting this afternoon?
  • Pro tip: It's essential to make time for exercise in your schedule. Health is wealth.
  • Let's make time for a family dinner this weekend. What do you say?
  • No diggity. She always tries to make time for volunteering in her community.

Examples of "Make Time" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

  • In the TV show Friends (1994-2004), Joey Tribbiani often uses the phrase "How you doin'?" to flirt or "make time" with women.
  • In the movie "About Time" (2013), the protagonist, Tim, can travel back in time and change his past. He uses this power to "make time" for his family, friends, and love interest and fix his mistakes and regrets. He learns that making time for the things that matter is the key to happiness.
  • In the book "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss, the author advocates for working less and living more. He offers strategies and tips on outsourcing, automating and delegating tasks, creating passive income streams, and traveling the world. He claims anyone can "make time" for their passions and dreams by following his principles.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Make Time"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

  • To carve out some time
  • To set aside some time
  • To spare some time
  • To hit on someone
  • To woo someone

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Make Time"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "make time" mean?

To "make time" means to arrange one's schedule or priorities to do something or see someone that is important or enjoyable. It can also pertain to flirting or courting someone, usually with romantic intentions.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "make time"?

The origin of the idiom "make time" is unclear, but it may have come from compensating for lost time or making good use of one's time. This sense may have derived from the earlier phrase "to make good time," which meant "to travel at a satisfactory rate; to arrive in good time."

  • What is the difference between "make time" and "take time"?

To "make time" means to create or find some time for something or someone, while to "take time" means to use or spend some time on something or someone. For example, "I need to make time to go shopping" vs. "It will take time to finish this project."

  • Is "make time" a formal or informal expression?

The idiom "make time" is generally considered informal, mainly when used in the slang sense of flirting or courting someone. It is more common in spoken than written language and may not be appropriate for formal or academic contexts.

  • What are some antonyms of "make time"?

Some antonyms of "make time" are "waste time," "lose time," "run out of time," or "have no time." These expressions mean the opposite of creating or finding some time for something or someone. For example, "Don't waste time on trivial matters" or "She ran out of time to finish her assignment."

  • What are some idioms related to "make time"?

Some idioms related to "make time" are "time flies," "time is money," "time is of the essence," or "time heals all wounds." These idioms express different aspects of time, such as its speed, value, importance, or effect. For example, "Time flies when you're having fun" or "Time heals all wounds.

  • Is it possible to "make time" for self-care amidst a hectic lifestyle?

Yes, it's crucial to "make time" for self-care. You can do this by scheduling self-care activities, saying no to excessive commitments, and practicing self-compassion.

  • How do I ensure I "make time" for essential work tasks?

To make time for important work tasks, prioritize your to-do list, eliminate distractions, and create a dedicated work environment.

  • What strategies help me "make time" to study or learn new skills?

You can "make time" for studying by setting specific study goals, creating a study schedule, and minimizing time-wasting activities.

  • Is it possible to "make time" for travel despite a busy job?

Yes, you can "make time" for travel by planning vacations in advance, utilizing holidays and weekends, and negotiating time off with your employer.

Final Thoughts About "Make Time"

To "make time" is a common and valuable idiom that expresses the idea of creating or finding some time for something or someone important or enjoyable. It can also have a slang meaning of flirting or courting someone romantically.

In summary:

  • It may have originated from compensating for lost time or making good use of one's time.
  • It can be used in various sentences to demonstrate different contexts and situations.
  • It has also appeared in various forms of popular culture, such as songs, movies, books, and TV shows.

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