prɛst fɔːr taɪm
Time
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- being physically pressed or squeezed by time
What does "pressed for time" mean?
- having very little time available
- being in a hurry because of a tight schedule
Examples
- I'm a bit pressed for time, so can we keep this meeting short?
- She was pressed for time and had to skip lunch to finish the report.
- If you're pressed for time, just give me the highlights.
Origin
The word 'pressed' has meant 'under pressure or constraint' since the 16th century.
How to use it
A polite way to indicate you are busy or need to hurry.
Similar expressions
short on time
in a rush
crunched for time
Opposites
having plenty of time
unhurried
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 "pressed for time" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.