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Glite Dictionary
in due time

in due time

13 3.4
Something happens at the right time
  • idiom
  • Formal
translation icon : en su debido momento
  • The committee will announce their decision in due time after reviewing all applications.
  • we will come in due time

HDR games are coming though, so in due time this monitor will be great for gaming.

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Examples

  • But you know, in due time, in due time.

    The Workout Room (2019)

  • We will consider your statement in due time, Miss Crane.

    The House on Carroll Street (1988)

  • Of what? - You will know in due time.

    The Black Hole (1979)

  • The President will be making a statement in due time; until then, we have no comment.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • I'll send for you in due time.

    The Comancheros (1961)

  • Economists say that, in theory and in due time, everyone should come out a winner.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Because of this, I know that the royal envoys will reach this place in due time.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Despite the obscurity and silence surrounding her genius, recognition will come in due time after her death.

    Academic text (1996)

  • It is still true that the wind of freedom is blowing, and in due time it will sweep over the whole earth.

  • You will receive your results in due time, so please be patient.

Synonyms

when the time comes
vsin due time
83 2.9

At the right moment to do something

focuses on the expected right moment rather than event necessity
in good time
vsin due time
16 3.2

Happen at the right time, neither too late nor too early

is about the right moment, not about being early or late
in due course
vsin due time
  • Formal
12 3.5

At the right time after some waiting

emphasizes happening at the exact right moment rather than eventual delay
in due season
vsin due time
  • Literature
1 4.4

It happens at the right time

is the more common everyday phrase rather than formal wording

Antonyms

never
∞ 1.0

At no time in the past or future, not ever

too early
241 1.0

Before the right time to do something

How Timely

immediately
∞ 1.0
promptly
98 2.1
soon
∞ 1.0
in due time
  • Formal
13 3.4
eventually
∞ 3.0
late
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

in due time positive

Morphology

in + due + time

The meaning 'at the appropriate or expected time' is directly derivable from combining 'in' (at/within), 'due' (expected/scheduled), and 'time' (a point or period), so the phrase is compositionally transparent. This construction follows common English patterns and has clear equivalents in many languages (e.g., Spanish 'a su debido tiempo', French 'en temps voulu'), making it readily understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

In due time may come from old letters and bills that were marked due with a date on a calendar. Imagine a letter marked due waiting until the time on the calendar arrives; when the day comes it is the right moment, so in due time means 'at the right time'.