ə ˈmætər əv taɪm
Time
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- a question or issue concerning time
What does "a matter of time" mean?
something that will inevitably happen eventually
Examples
- With the way he drives, it's only a matter of time before he gets a speeding ticket.
- The detective said catching the thief was just a matter of time.
- It was only a matter of time before the old roof started leaking.
Origin
Used in English since at least the 17th century.
How to use it
Often preceded by 'only' or 'just' to emphasize inevitability.
Similar expressions
inevitable
bound to happen
just a question of when
Related idioms
- in the long run
Over a long period of time
- better late than never
It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- from time to time
occasionally, not regularly
- in the nick of time
Just in time; at the last possible moment
- run out of time
to have no more time left to do something
- time flies when you're having fun
Enjoyable moments seem to pass quickly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "a matter of time" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.