Time Flies – Definition, Origin & Meaning

In the whirlwind of our daily lives, “time flies” resonates more deeply than ever. It is a commonly used proverb in the English language, originating from Latin. The meaning of this saying conveys a subtle warning that time passes swiftly. Appreciation of proverbs requires cultural and traditional understanding. This ability isn’t just a language legacy, but it’s also crucial for gaining a broader perspective on the world at large.

The following instances will demonstrate the nostalgia and reflection underlying the proverb and describe examples of situations that clarify the meaning of the proverb “time flies:”

The examples above illustrate various interpretations of the proverb “time flies,” evoking nostalgic or reflective sentiments about certain situations.

While the literal meaning focuses on the perception of time passing quickly, the metaphorical meaning emphasizes the active and unstoppable nature of time. It conveys the sense that time is constantly moving forward, regardless of our awareness or efforts to slow it down. Just as a bird soars through the sky, or an aeroplane swiftly travels through the air, time moves forward incessantly, regardless of human intervention.

We can also utilize this proverb to remind ourselves to cherish the limited time we have and seize opportunities before they expire. It serves as a reminder to live fully and consciously in the present, recognising the preciousness of time as it quickly moves around us.

How to use it

This proverb is used in situations that involve reflection on the passage of time, expressing nostalgia, or adding depth and emotion to storytelling. Typically, it’s used when expressing surprise or urging action to make the most of the present moment. There are various modern scenarios where this proverbial phrase can be applied.

Origin and history

The imagery of “time flies” likely draws on observations of natural phenomena and the human tendency to use metaphorical language to make sense of abstract concepts. Through this imagery, the passage of time is vividly portrayed as swift, graceful, and inevitable, much like the flight of birds or the movement of celestial bodies.

One of the earliest recorded instances of this idea can be found in the works of the ancient Roman poet Virgil, who wrote in his epic poem “Georgics” (29 BCE) the famous line “tempus fugit,” which translates to “time flies” or “time flees.” This phrase has since become a well-known Latin expression. “Georgica,” as it is written in Latin, comes from the Greek language and means “agricultural.” As the title suggests, the subject of the poem is agriculture and country life. The Latin passage states, “fugit inreparabile tempus,” which directly translates to “irretrievable time flees.”

While Virgil did not explicitly reference birds or celestial bodies in this context, his use of the phrase underscores the concept of time as something fleeting and transient. Virgil’s writings were highly influential in shaping Western literature and thought, and his use of “tempus fugit” helped popularize the idea of time as a fleeting and ephemeral force. It especially gained popularity during the 17th and 18th centuries.

In the 1877 poem “The Paradox of Time,” English poet Henry Austin Dobson rebuttals “Time goes, you say? Ah, no! alas, time stays, we go.” Though Shakespeare did not use the exact phrase “time flies,” he frequently explored the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life, as did he in “A Lover’s Complaint,” using the line “the swiftest hours, observed as they flew…”

While it’s challenging to pinpoint a single individual responsible for shaping the phrase’s current meaning, various writers, thinkers, and communicators have contributed to its popularity and widespread usage. A direct quote from 19th-century American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne is:

“Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.”

Similar proverbs and synonyms

There is a list of related proverbs and synonyms that focus on the themes of reflection on the passage of time. The following list illustrates some widely known ones: