The expression "Il était temps de + verb" is used in French to indicate that an action was necessary and should have been undertaken earlier, or that it occurs at a critical moment. It often expresses relief that the action is finally being done or a sense of urgency in its execution.
Usage and Meaning
- Il était temps de partir. (The action of leaving was necessary and urgent.)
- Il était temps de prendre une décision. (A decision needed to be made without further delay.)
- Il était temps de dire la vérité. (Expresses relief or the necessity of revealing the truth.)
Contexts of Use
The expression can be used in various contexts:
- In situations where an action was postponed and becomes critical.
- Il était temps que tu répares la fuite d’eau. (It was high time you fixed the water leak.)
- Il était temps qu’on commence à préparer l’examen. (It was time we started preparing for the exam.)
- When emphasizing the need to act quickly to avoid negative consequences.
- Il est temps de renforcer la sécurité pour éviter des incidents. (It’s time to strengthen security to prevent incidents.)
- Il est temps de parler à ton patron avant qu’il ne soit trop tard. (It’s time to talk to your boss before it’s too late.)
- Il était temps que les pompiers arrivent pour éteindre le feu. (It was high time the firefighters arrived to put out the fire.)
- To express relief that something was done just in time.
- Il était temps que le médecin arrive. Paul toussait de plus en plus et son état devenait inquiétant. (It was high time the doctor arrived. Paul was coughing more and more, and his condition was becoming worrying.)
- Il était temps que la réunion commence car tout le monde devenait impatient. (It was high time the meeting started because everyone was getting impatient.)