in my prime

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   At the time of life when you are strongest, healthiest, or most able.

   Grammar: Used after be or a verb like be in: she was in her prime. The possessive word changes with the person: in my/his/their prime.

   Patterns

   • be in your prime
   • in his prime
   • in their prime

   My grandfather says he could run ten miles a day when he was in his prime.

   She was in her prime as a dancer, touring with a major company.

   Most athletes are in their prime between their mid-twenties and early thirties.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   At the period when something is at its most successful, active, or effective.

   Grammar: Also used for things and organizations, not only people: the industry was in its prime.

   Patterns

   • be in its prime
   • in the prime of something

   The railway was in its prime in the 1920s, carrying passengers to every corner of the country.

   This old theater was in its prime long before television existed.

Common combinations

in the prime of life

He took up painting in the prime of life, after his children had grown up.

past your prime

Some critics say the singer is past her prime, but her concerts still sell out.

at the prime of

At the prime of his career, he led the team to three championships.

in your prime years

Doctors say regular exercise in your prime years protects you later on.

Synonyms and how they differ

at your peak

This stresses the highest point of performance, often a single period, while in my prime can cover a longer stretch of adult life.

in your heyday

This is usually used about past fame or success, especially of a person or era, and sounds slightly more literary than in my prime.

at your best

This can describe a single day or performance, whereas in my prime refers to a whole stage of life.

Opposites

Word family

prime noun

The state or time of greatest strength or success: in the prime of youth.

prime adjective

Main or most important: the prime suspect.

Commonly confused: in my prime or prime time?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “in my prime”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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