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give the time of day. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
give the time of day, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
give the time of day in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
give the time of day you have here. The definition of the word
give the time of day will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
give the time of day, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
According to some, the expression originally literally referred to greeting someone with the obsolete greeting "good time of day", or other greeting appropriate to the time of day (e.g., good morning, good afternoon, good evening), and only later acquired an association with telling someone the time, along with its idiomatic sense.
Pronunciation
Verb
give the time of day (third-person singular simple present gives the time of day, present participle giving the time of day, simple past gave the time of day, past participle given the time of day)
- (idiomatic) To acknowledge someone; to give someone respect or attention; to tip one's hat.
If you're lucky, she might give you the time of day.
- (idiomatic, in the negative) To not acknowledge someone; to snub someone; to disrespect someone; to ignore someone.
He won't give the time of day to someone like you or me.
I tried to say "hi", but she wouldn't give me the time of day.
2005, Carole Dillane Krajeski, 99% of the Time, →ISBN, page 270:"Daddy, please," Leanne laughed, "Give Linds a little credit. She wouldn't give the time of day to someone like Connor."
- (literally, dated) To tell someone the time of day by looking at one's wristwatch, etc.
Translations
See also