make time

make time (third-person singular simple present makes time, present participle making time, simple past and past participle made time)

1. (intransitive) To reserve a period of time to do something.
   • 1913, D.H. Lawrence, Sons and Lovers, chapter 2

     "I've done ten dozen this week," she said proudly to Mrs. Morel.

     "T-t-t!" went the other. "I don't know how you can find time."

     "Eh!" said Mrs. Anthony. "You can find time if you make time."

   Let's make time next week to meet again.

2. (idiomatic, colloquial) To recover lost time, as by travelling faster than usual.

   We can really make time if we take the freeway.

   We made good time on the flight back because we had a tailwind.

3. (idiomatic, colloquial, dated) To spend time with a person in or in pursuit of a romantic relationship.

   He was always trying to make time with Nancy, but she just wasn't interested.