Meaning & use
pressed for time
Last updated
UK/ˌprest fə ˈtaɪm/
US/ˌprest fɚ ˈtaɪm/
Meaning
phraseidiom
Having very little time available to do what you need to do, so you must hurry.
Grammar: Used after a linking verb: I am pressed for time.
Patterns
- be pressed for time
- feel pressed for time
I'm a bit pressed for time, so can we talk tomorrow?
If you are pressed for time, skip the introduction.
The team was pressed for time before the launch.
Common combinations
- be pressed for time
- We are pressed for time this morning.
- a little pressed for time
- I'm a little pressed for time today.
- if you are pressed for time
- If you are pressed for time, order the set lunch.
- feel pressed for time
- Parents often feel pressed for time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- short of time
- Short of time is plainer and more neutral, whereas pressed for time suggests a sense of rush.
- in a hurry
- In a hurry describes your speed and attitude right now, not an overall lack of time.
- under pressure
- Under pressure is broader, as it can involve stress from any source, not only a lack of time.
Opposites
with time to spare
Word family
Commonly confused: pressed for time or pressed for money?
pressed for time vs pressed for money
The same pattern, but it means you have little money. The thing that is short follows for.
Practice
I'd love to chat, but I'm pressed ___ time this afternoon.
Choose one answer.
The idiom is pressed for time. Of or with are tempting but they do not form the fixed phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pressed for time”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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