“Time is money”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase Time is money suggests that time is a valuable resource, much like money, and should be used wisely and efficiently because it can lead to financial gain or loss.
Tone Practical and advisory
Where it comes from
Time is money is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who used the phrase in his 1748 essay Advice to a Young Tradesman, though similar ideas have been expressed in various cultures throughout history.
Examples
- He realized that spending hours searching for a cheaper alternative was not worth it; after all, time is money.
- If you keep delaying the project, it’s going to cost more in the long run because time is money.
- In business, you learn quickly that time is money, so efficiency is key.
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