There are many future idioms and expressions which we can use in English to:
- Speculate or make a prediction about the future
- Plan for the future
- Describe how time passes
- Look ahead in time
Because English idioms are difficult to understand when viewed in isolation, we have included full definitions and example sentences in this list. So whether you are learning these expressions about the future for the first time, or just refreshing your memory, we hope you find this a useful resource.
Future Idioms
Expressions to talk about the immediate future
Future idioms can refer to a moment that is minutes, days, or years ahead. Here are some that you can use to speak about the immediate future:
Any minute now
If something is going to happen any minute now, it is due to happen imminently, although the exact time is unknown. We can also say any second/hour/day now, depending on the timeframe.
“The train should arrive any minute now.”
“Jessica is due to give birth any day now.”
See also: Using will vs. going to to talk about the future
In the near future
In the near future means sometime soon. It is not as imminent as ‘any minute now’ but will happen quite soon. We might also say before too long.
“I hope to see our profit margin increase in the near future.”
“Our company will need to move to a new premises before too long.”
You may want to read about the difference between sometime and some time as well.
No time to lose
If you have no time to lose, you are very short on time and must take action immediately.
“We have no time to lose if we want to arrive at the theater before the show starts.”
Have time on your side
When you have time on your side or when time is on your side, you have more than enough time to do what is required.
“The client has asked for a detailed sales analysis. Fortunately, time is on our side as they don’t need it until next month.”
Just around the corner
Something that is just around the corner is just about to happen.
“Follow these simple rules and success will be just around the corner.”
Days are numbered
If your days are numbered it means you don’t have long left to live.
“When the doctor said my grandfather’s days were numbered, I went to visit him immediately.”
In this situation, some idioms about death may also be helpful.
Idioms about the long-term future
Next we have some future idioms to talk about something that’s further away in time.
See also: When do we say further away or farther away?
Come what may
We use the expression come what may to show commitment to a person or course of action, no matter what may arise in the future.
“Come what may, I will see this plan through to the end.”
This is one of many Shakespeare idioms that we still use in modern English.
To the end of time
To/until the end of time is another way of saying ‘forever’, often used poetically.
“He told her he would love her to the end of time.”
For the time being
For the time being means ‘for the moment’ or ‘at this time’.
“We’d like to live by the sea one day, but we’re going to stay in the city for the time being.”
We use this to talk about a situation that will stay the same for a while, but may change in the future. But what’s the difference between a while and awhile?
Only time will tell
Only time will tell is said when the only way to discover the answer or truth about something is to wait for time to pass. You will find out some time in the future.
“Only time will tell whether we made the right decision.”
Save for a rainy day
The idiom save for a rainy day means to save money for some unknown or unexpected event in the future.
“I make an effort to save for a rainy day by putting aside a little each month.”
Read more idioms about money.
Future idioms for making predictions
These idioms about the future can be used when you are making a prediction or speculating.
A sign of things to come
If you say that something is a sign of things to come, it means that it is an indication of what the future will be like, or a sample of something that will happen in the future.
“All these floods we’ve been having are just a sign of things to come.”
For some other ways to talk about how things might change in the future, check out these change idioms.
Future looks bright
We say that someone’s future looks bright if we think they have a promising future ahead of them.
“Her future looks bright after she got such good grades.”
Chance would be a fine thing
Chance would be a fine thing is said when someone would like a particular thing to happen, but it is very unlikely.
“Me? Meet the man of my dreams on holiday? Chance would be a fine thing!”
These time transition words will also help you distinguish between the short-term and long-term future.
Some more future idioms
Still need some different expressions for looking ahead in time? Here you go!
Get ahead of yourself
If you get ahead of yourself, you act or plan for something prematurely, without planning properly or following the correct steps.
Lisa: “I’d better go shopping for some new clothes for this job.”
Annie: “I think you’re getting a bit ahead of yourself; you haven’t even had an interview yet!”
Turn the page
If you want to move on from a negative experience or behavior and concentrate on a better future, you might decide to turn the page. This is a decision to put the past behind you and make the future more positive.
“I know we haven’t always agreed on things, but how about we turn the page and try to get along now?”
This is similar to another book-related idiom, turn over a new leaf.
Like there’s no tomorrow
When you do something enthusiastically or energetically as if it’s your last chance to do it, we say you’re doing it like there’s no tomorrow.
“Sally has been baking cakes like there’s no tomorrow. I wonder what the occasion is?”
Take a rain check
When you take a rain check, you ask or agree to do something at a later (usually unspecified) time.
“Thanks for the invitation to lunch, but I’ll have to take a rain check.”
Come rain or shine is another rain-related idiom to talk about future plans.
Burn your bridges
To burn your bridges means to act in a way that irreversibly damages a relationship with a person or organization.
“You’ll be burning your bridges if you send that email to the CEO; the company will never consider hiring you again or giving you a good reference.”
The idea is that once something has been burnt, it cannot be restored. You can discover some more idioms about burning and fire here.
Tomorrow’s another day
Tomorrow’s another day is something said to encourage someone by reminding them that there will be other opportunities in the future.
“I know the meeting didn’t go as you’d hoped but don’t worry; tomorrow’s another day.”
Can you think of any other idioms to talk about the future? If so, you can share them by leaving a comment below. If you found this list of future idioms helpful, take a look at these other articles which cover history idioms, present idioms, and idioms about time.
