Make good time 🏃💨

Meaning

To travel quickly or cover a significant distance in a short period.

Origin

This phrase likely galloped into common use during the age of sail. Captains needed to report their progress to employers, and a swift voyage, covering many nautical miles in a day, was 'good time.' It signaled efficiency and skill. Imagine the salty dogs on deck, squinting at the horizon, knowing they were beating the clock. This sense of rapid, effective journeying then shifted inland, applying to any travel, whether by horse, train, or eventually, automobile, where covering distance swiftly became the benchmark of a successful trip.

Make good time represented with emoji🏃💨

This playful pairing, 🏃💨, functions as a delightful reminder to 'make good time.' It underscores the importance of swiftness and the satisfaction of covering ground efficiently. Note how the visual metaphor, at once ephemeral and monumental, captures the fleeting nature of speed, inviting a dialogue on our own journeys and the miles we cover.

Examples

• We made good time on the highway and arrived before sunset.
• Despite the early start, the train made good time to the coast.
• The little sparrow made good time flying over the meadow, chirping happily.
• With a tailwind and a giggle, the cloud made good time across the blue sky.

Frequently asked questions