in time

in time

1. At or before the time assigned.

   If I don't leave now, I won't get to work in time.

2. (with for) Sufficiently early.

   You've got here in time for tea — I was just making some.

   • 2014 June 14, “It's a gas”, in The Economist, volume 411, number 8891:

     But out of sight is out of mind. And that […] means that many old sewers have been neglected and are in dire need of repair. If that repair does not come in time, the result is noxious and potentially hazardous.

3. As time passes.

   In time, it got easier to deal with her death.

4. In rhythm.
5. (in time with) At the same rhythm as.
   • 1994, Stephen Fry, The Hippopotamus Chapter 2

     The door of the twins' room opposite was open; a twenty-watt night-light threw a weak yellow glow into the passageway. David could hear the twins breathing in time with each other.

6. (music) In the correct tempo.

• (at or before the time assigned): early, on time, promptly
• (sufficiently early (for)):
• (as time passes): as time goes by, over time, with the passage of time, with the passing of time

• (at or before the time assigned): behind time, late
• (sufficiently early (for)): late, too late
• (as time passes): all at once, never

• a stitch in time, a stitch in time saves nine
• just in time
• in time with

• nimite