Meaning & use
in due time
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
At the proper or eventual moment, after a natural or expected delay, without rushing.
Grammar: Fixed phrase used after a verb or at the end of a sentence: You will understand in due time.
Patterns
- in due time
- all in due time
- will happen in due time
The results will be published in due time.
Do not force the issue; the answer will come in due time.
All in due time, she said, smiling at our impatience.
Common combinations
- all in due time
- You will see the plan clearly, all in due time.
- in due course
- In due course, the committee will reply to every complaint.
- patiently in due time
- The seedlings grow, patiently, in due time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- eventually
- Eventually only means 'at some later time'; in due time adds the idea of the proper or natural moment.
- in due course
- Nearly identical, slightly more formal and common in official letters.
- sooner or later
- More casual and less reassuring; it can sound uncertain rather than properly timed.
Opposites
Commonly confused: in due time or on time?
in due time vs on time
On time means punctual at an agreed hour; in due time means at the right later moment without a fixed deadline.
Practice
Which sentence best matches the meaning of 'in due time'?
Choose one answer.
In due time means at the natural, proper later moment, which fits birds leaving the nest when ready, not an exact clock time.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in due time”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.