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This question is Not Answered
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meantolearn
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78484
Fri, 04 Mar 05 11:43 PM
Hi,
It's high time = It's about time
Does anyone know why 'high' is so used. Is the phrase associated with high or low??
Thanks,
Joined on
Thu, Feb 24 2005
Regular Member
808
I think; therefore I am.
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Mister Micawber
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78498
Sat, 05 Mar 05 12:44 AM
It does not mean 'about time' -- it means the last appropriate time, verging on lateness.
One source's indication of its origin is Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors:
ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE:
There's none but witches do inhabit here;
And therefore 'tis high time that I were hence.
This is at least an early use. I suppose the meaning may be related to that for 'high tea'-- over to you, BrE speakers!
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Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
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'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
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