For the time being
Example: We will stay here for the time being until help arrives.
Definition
"For the time being" means temporarily or for now, referring to a situation that will last only for a limited period until something changes. For example, in the phrase 'We will stay here for the time being until help arrives,' it indicates staying temporarily until help comes.
Etymology
The phrase "for the time being" originates from older English usage where 'being' referred to existence or presence. It combines 'for' indicating duration and 'the time being' meaning the current period of existence. Did you know? The phrase has been used since at least the 16th century to express temporary conditions.
Learn to use this expression actively
"For the time being" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (B2) - set 1", containing 103 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select English as the language you want to learn.
Create a free account
