What does “Time out of mind” mean?
"Time out of mind" means a period of time that was so long ago that it is difficult to remember or imagine.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I haven't seen him since time out of mind.
Example
That story happened time out of mind.
Example
The ruins have been there time out of mind
Is “Time out of mind” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Time out of mind” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Time out of mind” effectively in context?
You can use "Time out of mind" to refer to something that happened a very long time ago. It emphasizes the idea of a distant past or an event that has been forgotten or lost in time. For example, if someone asks you when was the last time you saw a friend, you can say, 'I haven't seen him since "time out of mind".'
- 1Recounting a Story
That story happened time out of mind.
- 2Describing Historical Ruins
The ruins have been there time out of mind.
- 3Talking About a Forgotten Tradition
The festival has been celebrated time out of mind.
Similar phrases to “Time out of mind”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Time out of mind” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Time out of mind" is unknown.
Is “Time out of mind” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Time out of mind" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in literature or when discussing historical events or traditions.
What tone does “Time out of mind” have?
"Time out of mind" conveys a tone of nostalgia and a sense of the distant past. It is often used to evoke a feeling of mystery or to emphasize the age or forgotten nature of something.
Can “Time out of mind” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Time out of mind" is more formal and literary in nature. It is not commonly used in casual conversations but can be used in more formal settings such as writing or storytelling.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Time out of mind" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I haven't seen him since "time out of mind".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's been there "time out of mind".' to imply something has existed for a very long time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- long ago
- ancient times
- eons ago
- time immemorial
- centuries ago
Antonyms
- recently
- in recent memory
- in the near past
- not long ago
