Expresses that something should have happened much earlier; indicates that a long-awaited event is finally occurring or that action is overdue.
This phrase developed in the 19th century as an emphatic way to comment on timing. It uses 'about time' to suggest that the appropriate moment for something has not just arrived but has been waiting for a while, often expressing mild frustration at the delay.
This phrase is like a gentle scolding of time itself - it acknowledges that something good is happening while simultaneously pointing out that it's late to the party. It's particularly interesting because it can express both relief and mild reproach in the same breath, celebrating an event while critiquing its timing.
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