pressed for time

Meaning

This expression means to be in a hurry or to have a very limited amount of time to complete a task. It is often used as a polite excuse when you cannot talk, stay longer, or take on extra work.

Examples

• I'd love to chat, but I'm a bit pressed for time right now because my meeting starts in five minutes.

  I'd love to chat, but I'm a bit pressed for time right now because my meeting starts in five minutes.

• We were so pressed for time that we had to grab a quick sandwich for lunch.

  We were so pressed for time that we had to grab a quick sandwich for lunch.

• If you are pressed for time, we can skip the introduction and go straight to the main points.

  If you are pressed for time, we can skip the introduction and go straight to the main points.

• She is always pressed for time in the mornings because she likes to sleep in.

  She is always pressed for time in the mornings because she likes to sleep in.

• The team was pressed for time to finish the proposal before the midnight deadline.

  The team was pressed for time to finish the proposal before the midnight deadline.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I cannot talk now because I am pressed of time.

  ✓ I cannot talk now because I am pressed for time.

  The preposition used in this idiom is always 'for'. Using 'of' or 'with' is a common preposition error.

• ✗ I am very busy and hurry for time.

  ✓ I am very pressed for time.

  While 'in a hurry' is correct, combining 'hurry' and 'time' into 'hurry for time' is incorrect. Use 'pressed for time' instead.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I'm sorry I can't stay, I'm really ___ today.

  💡 in a big hurry

  Show answer

  pressed for time

• When you are ___ , preparing meals in advance helps a lot.

  💡 having very little time

  Show answer

  pressed for time