pressed for time
To have very little time available
بهطور تحتاللفظی: Squeezed or forced by the concept of time
Use this phrase to politely explain why you are rushing or cannot stay to talk longer.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used when you are in a hurry or have a deadline.
- A polite way to end a conversation or skip details.
- Describes the stress of having too much to do quickly.
معنی
This phrase means you are in a big hurry because you don't have enough time to finish something or get somewhere. It feels like the clock is literally pushing against you.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Ending a phone call
I'd love to chat more, but I'm a bit pressed for time right now.
I'd love to chat more, but I'm a bit pressed for time right now.
In a business meeting
Since we are pressed for time, let's skip to the final results.
Since we are pressed for time, let's skip to the final results.
At a restaurant
Could we get the check? We're a little pressed for time.
Could we get the check? We're a little pressed for time.
زمینه فرهنگی
This phrase reflects the 'time is money' mentality prevalent in many English-speaking urban centers. It suggests that time is a physical force that can exert pressure on an individual. It gained significant traction during the industrial and corporate booms where schedules became strictly regulated.
The 'Bit' Trick
Adding the word 'bit' (I'm a bit pressed for time) makes you sound much more polite and less stressed to native speakers.
Don't use 'in'
Avoid saying 'I am in pressed for time.' The preposition is not needed. Just use 'I am pressed for time.'
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used when you are in a hurry or have a deadline.
- A polite way to end a conversation or skip details.
- Describes the stress of having too much to do quickly.
What It Means
Imagine you have a mountain of work and only five minutes left. You feel a heavy weight on your chest. That is being pressed for time. It describes the stress of a tight schedule. You aren't just busy; you are struggling to fit everything in. It is the feeling of the clock winning the race.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the verb to be. You can say "I am pressed for time" or "We are a bit pressed for time." It works perfectly as an excuse. Use it when you need to end a conversation quickly. It sounds more polite than saying "I want to leave."
When To Use It
Use it in the office when a meeting is running long. Use it at a restaurant if your food is taking forever. It is great for texting a friend when you are running late. It works well when you have to skip the small talk. Even at a doctor's office, it helps explain your hurry.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you have all day to relax. It sounds strange if you are sitting on a beach with a drink. Avoid using it for long-term life problems. It is for immediate, short-term situations. Don't use it to describe a slow, lazy Sunday afternoon. That would just be confusing!
Cultural Background
Western culture, especially in the US and UK, is very focused on punctuality. Being late is often seen as rude or unprofessional. Because of this, we have many phrases to apologize for being fast. Pressed for time became popular in the 20th century. It mirrors the high-pressure environment of modern city life and office work.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say they are pushed for time. It means the exact same thing. You might also hear short on time. If you are really in a rush, you can say you are strapped for time. All of these use the idea of a physical limit or pressure. They all tell the listener: "I need to move fast!"
نکات کاربردی
This idiom is highly versatile and fits almost any social or professional setting. Just remember to use 'for' as the preposition and 'be' as the auxiliary verb.
The 'Bit' Trick
Adding the word 'bit' (I'm a bit pressed for time) makes you sound much more polite and less stressed to native speakers.
Don't use 'in'
Avoid saying 'I am in pressed for time.' The preposition is not needed. Just use 'I am pressed for time.'
The Polite Exit
In English-speaking cultures, this is the 'magic phrase' to leave a boring conversation without hurting the other person's feelings.
مثالها
6I'd love to chat more, but I'm a bit pressed for time right now.
I'd love to chat more, but I'm a bit pressed for time right now.
A very polite way to hang up without being rude.
Since we are pressed for time, let's skip to the final results.
Since we are pressed for time, let's skip to the final results.
Used to keep a professional meeting on track.
Could we get the check? We're a little pressed for time.
Could we get the check? We're a little pressed for time.
Explains to the waiter why you need to pay quickly.
Sorry for the short text, I'm super pressed for time today!
Sorry for the short text, I'm super pressed for time today!
Explains why your communication is brief or blunt.
I'm pressed for time, but never too pressed for a second donut.
I'm pressed for time, but never too pressed for a second donut.
Uses the phrase to show priorities in a funny way.
I can help for five minutes, but I'm really pressed for time.
I can help for five minutes, but I'm really pressed for time.
Sets a clear boundary on your availability.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
I can't stay for coffee because I'm ___ for time.
While 'pushed' is sometimes used, 'pressed for time' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Identify the best situation to use this phrase.
You should say 'I'm pressed for time' when ___.
The phrase is specifically for situations where you lack enough time to finish a task comfortably.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality of 'Pressed for Time'
Texting friends or family.
Can't talk, pressed for time!
Everyday interactions and coworkers.
I'm a bit pressed for time today.
Presentations or client meetings.
As we are pressed for time, let us move forward.
When to use 'Pressed for Time'
At the Office
Shortening a long meeting.
Commuting
Asking someone to move faster.
Socializing
Leaving a party early.
Dining
Ordering a quick meal.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالIt means you are in a hurry and don't have enough time to do something slowly. You feel the pressure of a deadline or a schedule.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend without any issues.
Yes, pushed for time is a very common variation, especially in British English. Both are perfectly understood.
Not necessarily. It means you are *worried* about being late or you have a very tight schedule.
Usually, no. It is best for immediate situations, like a meeting happening right now or a task due today.
No, the correct preposition is always for. You are pressed for time.
You use it after the verb 'to be.' For example: 'We are pressed for time today.'
It implies a bit of stress, but it isn't 'bad.' It's just a factual way to describe a busy moment.
Yes, it's very common in professional emails to explain a short response, like: 'I'm a bit pressed for time, so here are the bullet points.'
The opposite would be having 'plenty of time' or 'time to kill.' That means you are relaxed and not rushing.
عبارات مرتبط
In a rush
Short on time
Under the gun
Against the clock
Strapped for time
نظرات (0)
برای نظر دادن وارد شویدیادگیری زبانها را رایگان شروع کنید
شروع رایگان یادگیری