No Matter How You Say It: Punctuality
Word Origin
Punctuality comes from Medieval Latin punctualis c. 1400, “having a sharp point; producing punctures”. The meaning “prompt” is recorded by 1670s, from the notion of “exact, precise, insisting on fine points,” including the observation of time and the keeping of appointments (c. 1600).
Can you see how punctuality is precise – not fashionably late?
Punctuality Idioms
A race against time
A stitch in time
Always be prepared
Be a metronome
Be a stickler for time
Be a ticking clock
Be a timekeeper
Be a well-oiled machine
Be early to avoid being late
Be like clockwork
Be like the early bird
Be mindful of the clock
Be prompt
Be punctual
Be there like clockwork
Have a schedule and stick to it
Have time on your side
Keep good time
Make good time
Meet deadlines
Not be one to waste time
Not miss a beat
Not miss the boat
Not waste a moment
On borrowed time
On the dot
On the nose
Only time will tell
Perfect timing
Run a tight ship
Stick to the schedule
Time waits for no one
Time’s awastin’
Timing is everything
Under the wire
Value time
In Other Words
Promptness
Time Keeping
Timeliness
Conscientious
On Schedule
Reliability
