tight schedule

Meaning

A plan or timetable with very little free time between tasks, or a project timeline with very little room for delays. It is commonly used when explaining why you cannot take on more work or why a project must be completed quickly.

Examples

• I'm on a very tight schedule today, so let's keep this meeting brief.

  I'm on a very tight schedule today, so let's keep this meeting brief.

• Despite the tight schedule, the construction team finished the office on time.

  Despite the tight schedule, the construction team finished the office on time.

• We are working on a tight schedule to get the product ready for the launch.

  We are working on a tight schedule to get the product ready for the launch.

• I'd love to grab lunch, but my tight schedule won't allow it this week.

  I'd love to grab lunch, but my tight schedule won't allow it this week.

• Managing a tight schedule requires excellent time-management skills.

  Managing a tight schedule requires excellent time-management skills.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have a close schedule today.

  ✓ I have a tight schedule today.

  In English, a busy calendar is described as 'tight', not 'close' or 'narrow'.

• ✗ We are running with a tight schedule.

  ✓ We are running on a tight schedule.

  The correct preposition to use with 'schedule' in this context is 'on' (e.g., 'on a tight schedule').

Related Expressions

Practice

• I can't take on any more tasks because I'm on a very ___.

  💡 Very little free time.

  Show answer

  tight schedule

• The project has a ___, so we cannot afford any delays.

  💡 Strict timeline.

  Show answer

  tight schedule