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单词 moment
释义
momentmo‧ment /ˈməʊmənt $ ˈmoʊ-/ ●●● S1 W1 noun [countable] Entry menu
MENU FOR momentmoment1 point in time2 short time3 at the moment4 for the moment5 the moment (that) somebody does something6 the last moment7 (at) any moment8 opportunity9 moment of madness/weakness/panic etc10 one moment ... the next/from one moment to the next11 not believe/think/do something for a/one moment12 of the moment13 have its/your moments14 be having a moment15 not a moment too soon16 the moment of truth17 be/live in the moment18 of great moment
Word Origin
WORD ORIGINmoment
Origin:
1300-1400 French, Latin momentum; ➔ MOMENTUM
Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • Can you spare a few moments to answer some questions?
  • He was here a moment ago.
  • I was just waiting for the right moment to tell her.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • At the moment I show, the beam is emanating westward.
  • But these moments did not seem to lose the play's tension.
  • But when you do, it's a sweet, sweet moment.
  • He stood for a moment, rubbing his chin.
  • The speeder froze in mid-air for just a moment, while its computers coped with the sudden assault on the automatic systems.
  • There had been moments of significance but no possibility for overall meaning.
  • When it erupts at the wrong moment, it can signal severe illness.
  • When the moment came he took it and he took it well.
Thesaurus
THESAURUSa time when something happens
a time when something happens or when you should do something: · The last time I saw her she was in high school.· It’s time for you to go to bed.· The best time to visit Scotland is in late May.
a time when something happens. Occasion is more formal than time: · They have been seen together on several occasions.· The last occasion the two teams met, the Giants won easily.
a particular point in time when something happens: · At that moment (=at exactly that time), the door bell rang.· The next moment she was gone.
a particular time during a longer period of time: · At one point during the play she completely forgot her lines.· the lowest point of the holiday
a short time
a short time: · I’ll call you back in a minute.· Can I show you something? It will only take a moment.
a very short time: · I’ll be ready in a second.· Just a second – I can’t find my wallet.
written a very short time: · In an instant, they were gone.· He paused for an instant.
a short period of time, especially a few hours, days, or weeks: · I’ve been to Tokyo, but I was only there for a short while.· I saw him a little while ago.
Longman Language Activatorimmediately after something else happens
· We met at a friend's party, and immediately became friends.· There was a loud explosion in the engine-room, and almost immediately a fire broke out.· I'll call you immediately we hear any news about the baby.immediately after/afterwards · We'll have to leave immediately after the meeting.· Mrs Smith was admitted to hospital at 10 o'clock, but died immediately afterwards.
immediately after something has happened or immediately after you have done something: · As soon as Stephen felt well again, he returned to work.· I will pay you back, I promise, the moment I get paid.· Honey, I swear, I'll phone you the moment I get to New York.
immediately after something has happened or someone has done something - use this especially in stories or in descriptions of events: no sooner had...than: · No sooner had they sat down to eat than the phone rang.· No sooner had he arrived in the city than his wallet was stolen.no sooner was/were...than: · No sooner were the words out of her mouth than she regretted them.
also hardly had immediately after an event or action has finished - use this especially in stories or in descriptions of events: · I'd done food shopping and had barely gotten to the door, when Debbie asked if I'd been listening to the radio.· Hardly had the film reached our screens last July than it was plagued by troubles and controversy.
to do something immediately, as soon as you have the chance to do it: lose no time in doing something: · When the new manager was appointed, he lost no time in reorganizing the office.· Murdock lost no time in setting out for London to find work.
at almost the same time that something else happens, and happening as a direct result of it: · Sea snakes inject a poison so strong that it kills a fish instantly.· It was a head-on crash and both drivers died instantly.
written if someone is killed outright , they die immediately from an attack or an accident: · He was killed outright when his car crashed at high speed.
an interesting period of time
an interesting period of time has a lot of interesting , unusual, or exciting things happening during it: · Today's been really interesting, I enjoyed it very much.· At the age of 80 she still leads a very busy and interesting life.· The Renaissance must have been a very interesting time to have been alive.
full of interesting or important events: · The poet Arthur Rimbaud led a short but extremely eventful life.· It has been an eventful day in politics -- two ministers have resigned and the Prime Minister has called an election.
British /colorful American containing a lot of unusual, exciting, and sometimes immoral events or behaviour: · There are many chapters in Wilkins' long, colorful life, including the time he spent in prison.· Coleman's colourful life is recorded in his autobiography, Reflections of a Racing Driver.· Riva is a welcoming town with a colourful history.
spoken say this about a situation, film, story etc in which a lot of things happen, and you do not have time to be bored: · When you have three young children to look after there's never a dull moment.· There's never a dull moment in our house, especially as there are ten of us living here.· There's never a dull moment in the entire film, and Pierce Brosnan is superb in the James Bond role.
to make someone feel nervous
not once, or not at any time: · "Have you ever been to Paris?" "No, never."· Ali had never seen snow before.· The view was spectacular - I'll never forget it.· He walks right past me and never even says "hello".never do/say etc something: · (=used to tell someone not to do something) Never go there alone at night.never have I/did he etc (=used for emphasis) formal: · Never in my whole life have I felt so angry.
not at any time: · I haven't ever had champagne before.· Don't ever do that again.· "I won't leave you," she said, "not ever."
spoken say this when you want to emphasize strongly that something has never happened or will never happen: · You must never ever tell anyone what you heard tonight.· I'll never, never stop loving you.
spoken informal say this when you think it is completely impossible that something could ever happen: · You won't get Kieran to agree - not in a million years!
say this when you are surprised or annoyed because someone never did something, although they often had the opportunity to do it: · After all the help I've given her, she's never said thank you - not once!· My father hasn't once come here to see us, even though he lives quite nearby.not once have I/did they etc (=used for emphasis) formal: · Not once did she think of giving up, despite all the problems involved.
if you say you never for a moment thought something, you are emphasizing that this idea never came into your mind: · I always knew that I would be famous one day. I never for a moment doubted it at all.· "Did you ever suspect that he was cheating on you?" "No, not for one moment."never for a moment have I/did they etc (=used for emphasis) formal: · Never for a moment did it enter my mind that something was wrong.
formal never in the past: at no time have I/did they etc: · At no time did anyone suggest that the drug was dangerous.· Despite what I'd been told about the local people's attitude to strangers, at no time did I encounter any rudeness.
you say that someone or something has never been known to do something when you mean that this has never happened before, so it is strange if it happens now: · We were very worried -- Peter had never been known to disappear from home before.· Killer whales have never been known to attack humans without the provocation of a bullet or harpoon.
now, at this time
at this moment or at this time: · If we leave now we'll be there before dark.· It's not raining now, but they said it might rain later.· He used to coach high school basketball but now he's a realtor.from now on (=starting from now): · Students are to be in their seats by 8:00 from now on.· From now on, the U.S. government will rely on a new method to measure economic growth.
if something is already happening or already true, it began to happen or be true before now: · He's only three and he's already reading.· "Should I tell Kay?" "She already knows."· The show has already started.· Don't buy any more toys for the kids -- they've got plenty already.· Was the apartment empty when you moved in or was it already furnished?
now - use this when you are describing what the situation is at this time: · The firm currently employs 113 people.· Currently, the most a senior nurse can earn is £16,000.· Ms. Kelly is currently assisting another customer. May I help you?
now - use this especially to say that something is happening now but you do not expect it to continue for a long time: · I'm working in a restaurant at the moment.· Miss Hellman is away from her desk at the moment - can I have her call you back?· The official currency is the crown, presently about 30 to the dollar.
formal if something is true at present or at the present time , it is true now but you do not expect it to be permanent: · The money available for public libraries will be less in future than at present.· We do not envisage any changes in the tax structure at the present time.
spoken at this moment or at this time: · I need a new car but right now I can't afford one.· She's in Amsterdam right now but she should be in Paris by tomorrow night.
British spoken at this exact moment - use this especially to say that you cannot do something immediately: · Sorry, I'm busy just now - can I call you later?
American at this particular time: · I have no further questions at this time, your honor.· "Do you have any health insurance?" "Not at this time."at this time of day/night/year etc: · What are you doing out at this time of night?· Gas prices always go up at this time of year.
happening now, but likely to change
for a short time, but not permanently - use this about a temporary arrangement or way of dealing with a situation: · Leave the groceries there for now - I'll put them away later.· For the time being he can stay here, but I want that dog out of here by the end of the week.
especially spoken use this to say that something is true or happening now, but may change soon: · For the moment the city seems quiet, but the fighting could start again at any time.· "How's your apartment?" "It's fine for the moment, but I'd rather live nearer town."· Assuming for the moment that you did get the job, where would you live?
American use this to say that something is true or happening now, but will probably change in the future: · As of now, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis.· My plan, as of now, is to graduate in May then start looking for a job in the fall.
formal · It is assumed, for the present, that the meeting will go ahead.· A reduction in interest rates seems highly unlikely for the present.
between now and some time in the future, for example until a situation changes: · Payday is not until next week, but if you need any money in the meanwhile, let me know.· You probably won't receive the contract until Thursday but I can fax you a copy in the meantime.meanwhile: · The flight will be announced soon. Meanwhile, please remain seated.
when something happens before it is too late
· David said he'd take me to the concert, if he's home in time.· If you don't leave enough space between your car and the car in front, you may not be able to stop in time.in time to do something · Don't worry, I'll be back in time to cook dinner.· She's hoping to be out of hospital in time to celebrate her birthday at home.in time for · Do you think you'll be fit in time for Saturday's race?
happening or done in time, but almost too late: · She put her foot on the brakes just in time.just in time to do something: · He got to the airport just in time to catch the flight to Madrid.just in time for: · Come in. You're just in time for a cup of coffee.only just in time British: · We were only just in time. A few more minutes and the bank would have been closed.
informal just in time to prevent something bad from happening - often used in stories: · Radio contact was established in the nick of time and we managed to transmit a message to the ship.just in the nick of time: · She escaped from her smoke-filled home just in the nick of time.
just in time to prevent something very bad from happening: · The ambulance finally arrived, not a moment too soon.
if something happens at the last minute , it happens at the latest possible time, just before it is too late: · An American businessman stepped in at the last minute to rescue the company.· Realizing its error at the last minute, the magazine just managed to correct the offending headline.
if something happens at the eleventh hour , it happens at the latest possible time, just before it is too late - use this when you had almost given up hoping that something would happen: · War was averted at the eleventh hour when both sides agreed to talks.
to manage to do something, talk to someone, see something etc just before it is too late: · I managed to catch her just as she was leaving the office.catch the post British (=post letters etc in time for them to be collected that day): · The letters were all addressed and stamped, and there was still plenty of time to catch the post.catch the news/a TV programme etc: · She was rushing to catch her favorite show on TV.
British /cut it close American to have very little time left before you have to be somewhere or do something, so that you are almost late: · Kelly had 10 minutes to reach the studio -- even in normal traffic that was cutting it close.cut it a bit fine: · You're cutting it a bit fine aren't you? The show starts in 2 minutes.cut it pretty close: · We cut it pretty close - we only had 30 minutes to get to the airport.
use this to tell or warn someone to do something now in order to prevent something bad from happening that they will not be able to change later: · You'd better get that letter back from her somehow, before it's too late.· We are urging the government to stop the bombing now, before it's too late.
a short time
· Unfortunately, we could only spend a short time together.· The talk should only last a short time.in/within a short time · How did you manage to do all this in such a short time?· The police arrived within a very short time.a short time ago · Your friends left a short time ago.for a short time · I think he went to prison for a short time.
a short period of time, during or after which something happens: · It always takes a little while to get used to the climate.for a short/little while: · Bob's only worked here for a short while, about six months I think.a little while/a short while ago: · He died a little while ago.· She was in the papers a short while ago. after/in a little/short while: · If you take the pills now, your headache will go after a short while.· Don't start that now, it'll be time to go in a little while.
a very short time, no more than a few minutes: · Just a moment Susie, can I have a quick word with you?· Can I borrow your pen a minute?· Wait a minute, I'm nearly ready.a minute/moment ago: · Where's Charles gone? He was here a moment ago.for/in a minute/moment: · Sit down for a minute and rest your legs.· Mark should be back in a moment.· I'll be with you in a minute.
an extremely short time, no more than a few seconds: · Do you mind switching the telly on a second?· An instant later, she let out a piercing scream.· 'Yes,' she declared, without an instant's hesitation.· 'Have you finished writing?' 'No, hang on a second.'for a second/an instant: · Can I stop you there, just for a second?· Just hold that end for a second while I fix this to the wall.· Did her eyes flicker open for an instant?in a second/an instant: · Mr Smart's on the other line, can he call you back in a second?· We both fell asleep in an instant.
British spoken a short time, usually just a few minutes: · I waited, and a bit later the phone went again -- it was Bill.· Oh, wait a bit, can't you?after/for/in a bit: · I think I'll lie down for a bit.· 'Are you coming?' 'Yes, in a bit.'· After a bit, Bill had started to tire of her company.
very soon
use this to talk about something good that will happen very soon or that happened a very short time after something else: · Don't worry - you'll be back to normal in no time.· In no time at all he had built up a big following among the local black community.
spoken use this to talk about something that will happen or that you will do within a few minutes: · The coffee will be ready in a minute.· Don't keep nagging me - I'll do it in a minute!· We will return to the subject of tax in a moment.
spoken use this to say that something will happen in a very short time from now, but you do not know exactly when: · My father's due to arrive any minute now.· Any moment now the final whistle will be blown.· If she hasn't had the baby already, she's going to have it any time now.
spoken use this to say that something will happen at some time in the next few days, but you do not know exactly when: · The letter should be with you any day now.· His ship was due back from the Pacific any day now.
use this to talk about something that may happen very soon, especially something dangerous or unpleasant: · He could have another heart attack at any moment.· We knew that war might break out at any moment.· The car looked as though it would fall apart at any minute.
American use this to tell someone politely that something will happen very soon: · Mr Ewing will see you momentarily, sir.
spoken use this to say that something will happen or be done very soon and before you really realize it is happening: · You'll be fully recovered before you know it.· You offer to iron his shirt and before you know it, he expects you to do all the housework.
suddenly
if something happens suddenly , it happens quickly when you are not expecting it: · Suddenly there was a loud bang and all the lights went out.· I suddenly realized that there was someone following me.die suddenly (=die unexpectedly): · Several years ago her husband died suddenly at the age of 64.
suddenly - use this especially in stories or descriptions of past events: · We waited and waited, then all of a sudden we saw a sail on the horizon.· The way he decided to leave all of a sudden didn't make any sense.
if something happens out of the blue , you are not expecting it at all, and you are very surprised by it: · She told me, out of the blue, that she was going to live in New York.completely out of the blue: · Do you remember Jane? Well, she phoned me yesterday, completely out of the blue.
if something ends or if someone moves or speaks abruptly , they do it suddenly and unexpectedly: · The party was stopped abruptly when the police turned up.· She turned abruptly and went back inside.· "You may leave now,'' he said, abruptly.
if something bad or dangerous happens without warning , it happens suddenly and there were no signs that it was going to happen: · Without warning, tears began to roll down his cheeks.· At five to four Greg went into convulsions. It happened suddenly and without warning.
if you do something on the spur of the moment , you suddenly decide to do something that you had not planned to do: · I bought the car on the spur of the moment.· On the spur of the moment, we decided to head north that day instead of East.
if you say that someone does something or something appears from out of nowhere , it happens suddenly so that you are surprised or shocked: · From out of nowhere he asked me to marry him.· I was doing 80 miles per hour when from out of nowhere this cop on a motorcycle pulled me over.
if something happens at short notice , it happens suddenly without you having time to prepare for it: · Both players pulled out of the competition yesterday at short notice.· Occasionally, tours may have to be cancelled at short notice.
for a limited time only
· The library is temporarily closed for repairs.· Well, I suppose she can stay here temporarily, while she's looking for an apartment.
from now until a time in the future, especially when you do not know exactly when in the future: · For the moment, I'm quite happy in the job I'm doing.· Such popular programmes will go on being broadcast on Channel 3 - for now.· "The negotiations are continuing for the moment," a spokesman said.
for a short period of time from now, but not permanently: · For the time being, Mrs Gilman's classes will be taken by other teachers.· Although the government aims to encourage private enterprise, around one third of the economy will remain under state control, for the time being.
at a particular time in the past
· She thought back over her early married life; everything had been so different then.· They were living in the country then, on a farm.· These days it's OK for women to smoke in public, but then it was unheard of.then and only then (=not until that time) · Bob sat down and read the letter again slowly. Then and only then did it begin to sink in that Stella was really dead.just then (=at that exact moment) · I sat down at my desk and got out a pile of reports to read. Just then, the phone rang.
at a particular period of time in the past - use this especially when you are talking about what the situation was then as compared to the present time: · At that time, he was married to a woman called Jody.· I was offered a job in New York, but at the time I didn't want to move so far away from my family.· The accepted view at that time was that women should remain in the home and not go out to work.· I can't remember exactly what he said, but I do remember thinking it was very funny at the time.
at that time in the past - use this especially when you are comparing life in the past with life in the present: · We used to get paid £2 a week. That was a lot of money in those days.· In those days there was no proper road, just an old stony track through the woods.· Back then, most people left school at fourteen and started work.· I remember thinking, back then, that I would never get married.
at that exact time during a past event or situation: · Miles got up to make his speech, and at that point several of the guests quietly slipped out of the room.· I thought he was dead. At that point, everything seemed hopeless.
at the exact time when something happened or when someone did something - use this when describing past events or telling stories: · At that moment there was a knock on the door.· Fortunately, Jorge appeared at that moment and was able to help us load things into the van.just at that moment (=at that exact moment): · Just at that moment, the police arrived.
during a particular period of time in the past, although things were going to change or develop later: · At that stage I lacked the experience to apply for a management post.· At that stage in the inquiry, the police still hoped that Maria might be alive.
when you do or say something without thinking
· Without thinking, Charlotte hugged the girl to try to comfort her.without thinking about · Most US companies are still spewing out carbon dioxide without thinking about its potential costs.
spoken if you give an answer off the top of your head , you say it without thinking about it for very long and without being sure it is correct: · "How much is the house worth?" "Off the top of my head, I'd say it's worth maybe $160,000."
if you say or do something in the heat of the moment , you do it very suddenly and without thinking when you are feeling angry or excited, so that you feel sorry about it afterwards: · "In the heat of the moment, my emotions took over and I hit him," Harper admitted.· Our children need to know not only how to prevent pregnancies, but also the long-term effects of a decision they make in the heat of the moment.
an automatic response, reaction, or answer is one that happens immediately and without you having to think, especially because you have done it many times before: · A teacher's automatic reaction is to correct mistakes in language.· Elizabeth immediately flew into a rage - her automatic response to any kind of criticism.
if you do something automatically , you do it as a natural reaction and without thinking, because it is what you always do: · His mother continued to talk angrily, and Tim's thoughts automatically switched to more pleasant subjects.· You cannot automatically assume that everything your teacher says is correct.
a reflex action, response, or movement is a physical movement that you make as a natural reaction to something, without having to think about doing it: · a reflex eye movement· At birth, an infant can perform only simple reflex actions and behaviours.
a reaction that someone makes without thinking at all, because it is the way they always react - use this about a reaction that you expect and disapprove of: · Their knee-jerk reaction is to object to everything the management suggests.· If a journalist's judgement is questioned, the knee-jerk reaction is usually, "I have a right to print whatever I want, so I will."
an off-the-cuff remark is one that you make without thinking carefully and without any preparation: · The press officer said that the president's statement was an off-the-cuff remark, not as an official statement of policy.
a time when something happens
a time when someone does something or something happens -- use this especially to talk about something that happens more than once: · Do you remember that time Tim got really drunk at Sarah's party?· Play it really loud this time.the only/same/last etc time: · The last time we ate meat was at Thanksgiving.· The only time I've seen him with a girl was that party at Mike's place.· Give us a call next time you're in town.· That was around the same time that I met Linda.the first/second/third etc time: · Is this the first time you've played pool?· Sandra, that's the third time I've asked you to keep quiet.· Alex won the 100 metres for the fifth time in a row (=he won five times, and no one else won the race in between).four/six/several etc times: · This is my favourite film - I've seen it five times.· It's silly -- I've met him several times, but I can never remember his name.a number of times formal (=use this to say something happened several times): · She's been to Greece a number of times.· I've heard Jessie play a number of times, and I think he's great.every/each time: · Every time I met her, she asked me about the children.time when: · Do you remember the time when Dad lost the car keys?
formal a time when something happens: on one/that etc occasion: · The witness said that on both occasions he noticed Davis because of his heavily tattooed arms.· On one occasion, Anna fainted while out shopping with friends.· She had met Zahid on a previous occasion.on numerous/several occasions (=use this to emphasize that something happened many times): · I've suggested that she should move on numerous occasions, but she never takes any notice.· I remember Michael sleeping in your room on several occasions and mom not knowing about it.
an exact time when something happens, during a longer process or series of events: · The play went well, apart from one embarrassing moment when I dropped a cup.· At several points during the meeting, Adler threatened to walk out.· My most special moment with dad was when I was announced as the winner of Junior Beauty Contest.moment/point in time: · At that precise moment in time, Binh walked in.
the wrong time or a bad time for something
a time when you should not do something, because you will probably not be successful: · It's a case of the right idea at the wrong time.the wrong time to do something: · I think this is the wrong time to ask for a pay increase.· It seemed like the wrong time in my life to risk making yet another major change.
a time when something is not convenient or likely to be successful or that will cause problems: · I really would like to come, but I'm afraid this is a bad time.to do something: · If it's not a good time to talk, I can call back.
to happen at a time when something it not likely to be successful or that will cause problems: · These economic problems have come at the wrong time for the Republican Party.· The widening trade gap is coming at a bad time for the president.· The COE's resignation has not come at a good time for the company.
an expression meaning to be the wrong time to do something, use this especially when you are telling someone what they should do or how they should behave: be no time/not be the time for: · This is no time for that kind of talk. If you can't be decent, keep your mouth shut.· It's not the time for politeness and etiquette when there are lives at stake.be no time/not be the time to do something: · This was not the time to get angry, but Jodie couldn't help herself.
done at the wrong time so that it is likely to have an unsuccessful result: · Wilkins' outburst could not have been more ill-timed.· Resentment over the chairman's badly timed remarks is growing.· The gesture was sincere, but ill-timed.
formal a bad time, especially because it is inconvenient : · He had wanted to visit the troops over Christmas, but the general said it would be an inopportune time.· He always seems to say exactly the wrong thing at the most inopportune moment.
the right time or a good time to do something
the best time to do something, when you are most likely to get the result that you want: · Yes, I'm going to ask him - I'm just waiting for the right time.the right time to do something: · It seemed like the right time to start planning something new.· I don't think it's the right time to tell Jeff.the right time of day/year: · If you get here at the right time of day, you might get to see the birds feeding.· This really isn't the right time of the year to start working on the house.
a suitable or convenient time: · I'd like to come on Saturday - would that be a good time?a good time for: · 11 o'clock would be quite a good time for me, if you can make it.a good time to do something: · Now is a good time to start applying for jobs.· Right after the Easter break is a good time to visit Florida.· I'll be here all day Friday, so when would be a good time to meet?
if something comes at the right time or comes at a good time , it happens when you need or want it to happen: · I lost my job last month, so this offer has come at just the right time.· Well, you're news comes at a good time, Helen.
an expression meaning to be the right time to do something important, use this especially when you are advising someone what they should do: be the time to do something: · If you're going to buy a house, now's the time to do it.be the time for: · The reason I'm saying "no" is because right now is not the time for making a mess in here.
the ability to choose the right time to do something, especially when this is a skill you have learned or practised: · When you're a comedian, timing is very important.· He eventually played in another 28 games, but his timing and rhythm never returned.good/perfect etc timing: · "Well, life's just full of surprises," she retorted, with a comic's perfect timing.· You guys have good timing, we just started to eat.sense of timing (=the ability to choose the right time to do something, especially when this is a natural ability that you have): · Even at the end, George Burns never lost his impeccable sense of timing.
actions, decisions etc that are timely happen at the right time, especially with the result that they prevent something bad from happening: · The Government's intervention was timely and may have prevented economic disaster.· The database will provide timely and accurate information on the current status of the business.· The fighting in the Ardennes came as a timely reminder that the West still needed the Russian army.
done at the right time so that it is likely to have a successful result: · She took a sip of water during a well-timed pause, and waited for my reply.· Wallace made a well-timed run through the midfield, collected the pass and scored with a low shot.· The conference is well timed since most companies will have their third-quarter profits in by now.
formal a time when you are most likely to be successful, or a time which is convenient: · For those who are waiting for the most opportune time to invest in a home, this is an excellent time to do that.· This seemed like an opportune moment to ask the government to mount a tree-planting program.
to have enough time to do something
· If you have time, I could show you around the rest of the house.· Do you think we have the time?have time/have the time to do something · Few agencies have the time or the staff to train new employees.· She put the phone down before I had time to reply.· Just leave it on my desk till I have time to deal with it.have time/have the time for · Do you have time for a quick drink?· Perhaps next year I'll have more time for gardening.
use this to say there is enough time for someone to do something: · We thought we'd go to the museum, and maybe have some lunch too, if there's time.· If you hurry there should be time for a little shopping.· I guess there's time for a bedtime story, Lauren.there is time for somebody to do something: · There's still time for you to change your mind, you know.· Is there time for me to wash my hair before we leave?there is time to do something: · I don't think there's time to paint the whole wall today.
use this to mean "when you have a small amount of spare time during a period when you are very busy", especially when you are asking someone to do something: · When you have a minute, Josie, I'd like to talk to you.· Do you have a minute? I have a couple of questions to ask.· These letters are ready for you to sign when you have a moment.have a spare moment/minute: · If you have a spare moment, could you read through my essay?· It's quite rare that I have a spare minute these days.
use this to say that there is still enough time for someone to do something: it's not too late to do something: · If you haven't got roses in your garden, it's not too late to plant now.· It's still not too late to get a flu vaccine.it's not too late for somebody to do something: · He insists it's not too late for United to win the cup, though he admits it will be an uphill struggle.
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1adjectives
· I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell her.· The moment is not quite right just yet.
(=a good time to do something)· I was waiting for an opportune moment to leave.
(=a moment that is important in history)· The fall of the Berlin wall was a historic moment.
· There have been many memorable moments in this year’s Olympics.
· Her stomach chose that precise moment to make a loud noise.
(=used for emphasizing that something happened at a particular time)· I could tell something was wrong from the very moment I walked in through the front door.
(=now)· At the present moment, there are 500 students at the school.
· This was probably the most important moment in his life.
(=a very important moment)· This was a critical moment in the country’s history.
(=something that shows the real character or purpose of something)· The win was a defining moment in the boxer’s career.
(=when someone was most successful or admired)· The performance was one of the band’s finest moments.
(=when someone did the thing they are most proud of)· My proudest moment was when my daughter was born.
· Standing on the edge waiting to do your bungee jump is the worst moment.
verbs
(=to take a picture, describe something etc that will remind you of a particular time)· They captured the moment on film.
· She found herself laughing with him, enjoying the moment.
(=enjoy the moment)· He seemed to savour every moment of their conversation.
(=experience something again by thinking about it, talking about it etc)· In court she had to relive the moment her son was murdered.
(=do something at a particular time)· She always seemed to choose the worst moment to interrupt his thoughts.
(=feel anxious or worried about something that will happen)· She was dreading the moment when she would have to fire him.
phrases
(=only a very short time ago)· I had just that moment arrived.
(=now)· At this moment in time we cannot proceed with the proposal.
(=after that time)· From that moment on I saw very little of Dean.
(=used for emphasizing that something changes quickly)· The colours of the sunset changed moment to moment.
(=all the time you are awake)· He spent every waking moment in the lab.
(=at any particular time)· There was no variety at all - you knew exactly what you would be doing at any given moment of the week.
 Meaning 2verbs
(=use a short time)· Coleman took a moment to reply.
(=have a short time to use)· Can you come and see me when you have a moment?
· Wait a moment while I get my coat.
(=stop speaking or doing something for a short time)· Lisa paused a moment, then said ‘yes’.
(=not speak or do something for a short time because you are unsure of what to say or do)· Paul hesitated a moment then followed her.
(=used when asking someone if they have a short time available to spend with you)· Can you spare a moment to go through some figures with me?
phrases
(=used when telling someone to wait)· Just a moment, I’ll go and get her.
(=very quickly)· Fire fighters need to be able to get ready at a moment’s notice.
· I saw him outside just a moment ago.
(=something is always exciting or full of activity)· There’s never a dull moment with Chris around!
adjectives
· For a brief moment, he looked directly at her.
(=a very short time)· For a fleeting moment she wanted to run away.
· He was silent for a long moment before replying.
(=short period of time when you are not doing other things)· She spent every spare moment in the library.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
 The little girl you saw a moment ago was my niece.
· The old lady’s gaze rested on her for a brief moment.
· At the crucial moment, he withdrew the support of the army.
 Last week we had a hurricane. Never a dull moment running a hotel in the Caribbean (=it’s always interesting or exciting).
· At that exact moment, the phone rang.
 For one fleeting moment, Paula allowed herself to forget her troubles.
 There are thought to be around 10,000 young homeless Scots in London at any given time.
· The team's only moment of glory came in the second half of the game.
 ‘It is a historic moment,’ he told journalists.
 I’m afraid you’ve called at rather an inopportune moment.
(=the way people in general feel at a particular time)· The movie captured the mood of the moment.
(=used to emphasize that you never thought something) She had never for one moment imagined that it could happen to her.
(=very quickly)· He’d be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
· He paused for a moment, seemingly overcome by emotion.
 a poignant reminder of our nation’s great sacrifices
· We knew we only had a few more precious hours together.
 Scarcely a day goes by when I don’t think of him.
 I had a senior moment and just couldn’t think of his name.
 Marion spoke, eager to break the tense silence.
· At that very moment, the doorbell rang.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· His glance met hers for a brief, breathtaking moment, before he started forward, his stride slow, and rangy.· For a brief political moment, an unlikely voice trumpeted worker issues.· For a brief moment I was his and he was mine.· In that one brief moment he knew that he was in trouble.· In one brief moment of weakness he had allowed the mask to slip.· For one brief, shining moment, Edwin and his managers basked in the glow of beating back a competitive challenge.· For a brief moment in the late 1980s and early 1990s ecstasy broke this mould.· Has he traded notoriety and this brief moment for his lifelong dream?
· For a long moment they lay and she gazed down at him, their eyes locked.· She stood still for a long moment that seemed to the others to grow into an age.· After a few long moments it found its legs and scampered to the far kerb.· For a long moment I just stood there in the darkness, feeling like a diver on a high platform.· And after a long moment he reached across and replaced the pepper pot.· She hugged him, for a long moment clinging to him silently.
· It seemed a right time, a right moment to ask Shama another question which had been haunting me.· The pilot is under orders to wait for the right moment to land.· His only choice at present was to wait for the right moment to play his hand.· The next step is inevitable, and the only thing that matters now is to choose the right moment.· How did you produce a taxi at the right moment?· He assumes that Black is lying low, biding his time until the right moment comes.· Mungo admired Emily's patience as she waited for the right moment to mention his proposition.· If you pull them out of the oven at the right moment, muffins should be springy and firm but moist.
· At that very moment, a waiter turned abruptly from clearing the next table and crashed into Loretta.· They were wondering where she was at that very moment.· She knew the offers would disappear again the very moment she tried to take them up.· This was seen at the very moment of James V's death.· That lasted for a couple of weeks and it was a very scary moment - January or February of 1988.· But luck had come her way at the very last moment.· All she longed to do at this very moment was run back to the Gasthaus and hide in her room.
VERB
· A component somewhere deep inside the motorspeeder chose that moment to explode from stress.· Why did he have to choose this moment to be nice to her?· The next step is inevitable, and the only thing that matters now is to choose the right moment.· She always chose that moment to talk about Durkin, and always in a disparaging way.· Angry and hurt at the continuing racism and sexism at Columbia, Joanne speaks out but tries to choose her moments.· These things happen to the most confident of video users and the gremlins always seem to choose their moment with great care.· Perhaps we could have chosen a different moment.
· It's exactly at this moment that they feel panic and get into those messy situations with mistresses, divorces and remarriages.· But at the moment, he could feel belligerence rising.· Each moment you feel things more strongly than you ever have before.· The moment your opponent feels these taps he or she must let go immediately.· In this moment I felt a universal power-the source of all energy-passing through me.· For a moment - only a moment - he felt he could go home.· Even so, there were moments when I could feel my face heat up and my eyes blur with tears.
· Mortimer paused to savour the moment - this was what soldiery was all about, he thought.· He paused a moment for a car to pass.· I paused for a moment, unsure of which path to take.· He paused for a moment in silent recollection.· Mr Yarrow paused a moment before placing a wage packet into it.· We do well to pause for a moment to watch their development and observe the positions their leaders took.· Stop and think Let's pause for a moment and think about this issue of arguments and the learning process.· I paused for a moment to slip my shoes off, and then I caught up with him.
· Then for a moment, the war seemed to end.· And at that moment, the Bruins seemed headed for trouble.· At the moment he seemed to find all of them constricting.· But the momentum for the moment seems to be more with Bush than with Gore.· For a few moments he didn't seem to realise she was there.· At one moment she seemed to recognize him, the next, he was a stranger to her.· She did not turn her head when Melissa entered and for a moment it seemed that she was unaware of her presence.· For a moment she seems to be looking at something, but not something Primo can see.
· Magee stood his ground a moment longer, then headed towards the stone steps.· He stood for a moment and then started to go out.· He stood still for a moment.· The blue stood off for a moment, and the judge called another handle.· He stood for a few moments thinking, and looking apprehensively from one stallion to the other.· The Colonel was flung back against the wall where he stood, for a moment, a puzzled expression on his face.· Adam closed the front door and stood there for a moment as if he could not wrench himself away.
· Perhaps he had been toying with John Chapel, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.· Pat waited a moment, then sighed and hooked his arm.· I've been waiting for this moment all week.· He chose simply to wait her out a moment.· As an added deterrent, this species usually waits until the last moment for the final clamping-down movement.· Yolanda climbs into the car while the two men wait a moment on the shoulder to see if the tire will hold.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • At the last moment he saw an apple lying on the dresser and put it in his pocket.
  • At the last moment, I looked up at the sky.
  • But at the last moment courage failed them.
  • I took the can carefully away at the last moment.
  • I was hoping to hit him, but he dove clear at the last moment.
  • In Madrid Casado triumphed and at the last moment Communist power was broken.
  • We keep getting ready to go to oh all sorts of places - but at the last moment something always comes up.
  • At any moment the current spot exchange rate is the anticipated spot exchange rate discounted to the present.
  • Daylight began to fail early, but still we pressed on, knowing that Donald could make an appearance at any moment.
  • Her eyes could fly open at any moment, he thinks, and look objectively at him.
  • If, for any moment, it overwhelms him that he stands just off-center of it all.
  • It was all the harder because I could have given up at any moment.
  • On the first occasion Bunny was tactful, assuring him she would be sent home in a taxi at any moment.
  • The army taught us to fly the machine as if the engine would quit at any moment.
  • They went about their business, expecting him to appear at any moment.
  • He caught me in a moment of weakness.
  • I had a moment of panic.
  • In a moment of madness Rosenoir kicked Alan Kernaghan as he lay on the ground.
  • In a moment of weakness the President had accepted the invitation.
  • It was a moment of madness.
  • She rang the doorbell, listened to the silence within and felt a moment of panic.
  • What mattered was that one of the legs had been used by the gang in a moment of panic.
► one moment ... the next/from one moment to the next
  • His hand had not wavered for a moment.
  • His leader did not believe for one moment the protestations of innocence.
  • I do not concede for a moment that this is a devolution measure.
  • I would not suggest for one moment that they existed here.
  • Neither team will half-step, not even for a moment.
  • But mistakes and inadequacies could not be fixed there, in the rush of the moment.
  • His plan of the moment was unknown to the Federals, but they had a pretty good idea of his general intentions.
  • In other words, whatever the child is doing represents his interest of the moment.
  • It's just the heat of the moment.
  • She kept clean by washing in sand, and buried her stools well away from her nest of the moment.
  • Their run for the title may be too late, but they are the red-hot team of the moment.
  • They were like two children, who think only of the moment.
  • Unlike bands of the moment, their work endures.
  • The Saints had their moments, but they still lost.
  • Because, Ishmael says, all men have their moments of greatness.
  • But I can assure you I have my moments.
  • Even a railway journey with a missed connection can have its moments.
  • Those observations made, it should be said that the Herioter did have his moments in the lineout.
  • Yet, the show does have its moments.
► be having a moment
  • "Dinner's ready." "And not a moment too soon!"
  • The ambulance finally arrived, not a moment too soon.
  • It was not a moment too soon.
  • The moment of truth came when I tasted the sauce.
  • A-level students reach the moment of truth.
  • An interesting study, this, of the varying techniques with which different men approached the moment of truth.
  • And so the moment of truth.
  • However, after a few weeks, cinema audiences dropped dramatically and the moment of truth arrived.
  • Is this the moment of truth, he wrote, or the greatest temptation?
  • It has become conscious of its history, and is approaching the moment of truth.
  • They felt sure that at the moment of truth in the polling booth most voters will consider their wallets.
  • This is the moment of truth for the Lions the six build-up provincial games can be forgotten.
► be/live in the moment
  • Barry is a good writer, even when he is not writing about things of great moment.
  • At the moment, the county is doing nothing with the property south of town.
  • We're really busy at the moment.
  • And the right price for Rod's Lamborghini at the moment is £40,000.
  • Asthings stand at the moment, 70 years have to elapse before they can be inspected.
  • He missed Josh terribly, but knew there was no way of winning back his affections at the moment.
  • Her primary problem at the moment is tendinitis in her left wrist.
  • It is said that birds began to pair at the moment of his death.
  • Republicans, at the moment, hold 41 seats while Democrats have 37.
  • She says that everyone dreams of winning a medal, but at the moment she is just hoping to get there.
  • That means we put ourselves completely into the feeling in question; at the moment it occurs, that feeling is us.
  • "How's your apartment?" "It's fine for the moment, but I'd rather live nearer town."
  • Assuming for the moment that you did get the job, where would you live?
  • For the moment the city seems quiet, but the fighting could start again at any time.
  • For the moment, we will ignore the question of whether the costs are reasonable.
  • Anything that is done for shock value has no future because it's done for the moment.
  • But for the moment we shall look only at the last two of these vast subjects.
  • He could please folk when he wanted to, and for the moment he did.
  • He himself had other plans, although for the moment he was keeping them fairly close to his chest.
  • Leave aside, for the moment, the question of whether it was justified in principle.
  • Organisationally, the investigation was under control and for the moment the focal point was Farnborough.
  • Special provisions apply to the National Coal Board's operations, which can be ignored for the moment.
  • You hold on to those for the moment.
  • Been getting hold of a bit of meth, but it's fairly hard to come by at the moment.
  • Does it enable them to make the right choice in the heat of the moment?
  • In the heat of the moment it does not usually look as if there is anything to be done about the heat.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
  • And it was still a bad time for the people in the middle.
  • And then uh, he was the homecoming king and oh, gosh, that was a bad time in my life.
  • Calls to assistant general manager Mike Port came at a bad time.
  • I thought it would be great down there, but I started having a bad time so I went back to Newcastle.
  • It was a bad time to have chosen for confrontation.
  • Strawberry had had a bad time.
  • The prolonged federal government shutdown could not have come at a worse time for businessman Herb Stein.
  • While I have no problem with this, the issue is that my friends are giving me a bad time about it.
  • And, in the dying seconds, Miklosko blocked Smillie's close-range effort.
  • Hereford usually crack or collapse in the dying minutes.
  • Jason Chandler made certain in the dying minutes of the game, Good Sports winning 2-1.
  • One moment of astonishing creativity in the dying seconds on Saturday transported him to the centre of Arsenal's universe.
  • Sean Farrell popped in the opener and Danny Allsopp made sure of the points in the dying seconds.
  • The World Champion launched a direct attack in the dying moments of the first session.
  • And, in the dying seconds, Miklosko blocked Smillie's close-range effort.
  • Hereford usually crack or collapse in the dying minutes.
  • In the dying minutes, full-back, Paul Bodin burst through.
  • Jason Chandler made certain in the dying minutes of the game, Good Sports winning 2-1.
  • One moment of astonishing creativity in the dying seconds on Saturday transported him to the centre of Arsenal's universe.
  • Sean Farrell popped in the opener and Danny Allsopp made sure of the points in the dying seconds.
  • The World Champion launched a direct attack in the dying moments of the first session.
  • But prosecutors in the Anwar Ibrahim indecency trial knew the exact moment of the chauffeur's trauma.
  • He looked up at the screen at the exact moment Rocky gave himself the name he would henceforth carry.
  • I can tell you the exact moment he fell in love with her.
  • I was then sure that the brush was holding the exact colour the painting required.
  • It is difficult to trace the exact moment at which he decided that the military situation was hopeless.
  • The user has to judge the exact moment to stop.
  • It was resolved that from this day forward they shall be called by the name of the Veterinary College, London.
  • Add bean sprouts and cook another half minute.
  • After one and a half minutes the aircraft began to overshoot, correctly making an initial turn to the west.
  • I pulled to the curb for half a minute.
  • Poole and Bowman studied the screen in silence for half a minute.
  • Report repeated two and a half second ticking sounds from plane.
  • The fireball is visible for about half a minute before the object exits from the atmosphere with its original speed virtually undiminished.
  • The fireball that came with the flash lasted for half a second and enveloped the whole stumbling figure.
  • Just a minute, that's not what she told us.
  • Just a minute. Let me see if he's here.
  • And he had deliberately caught his flight with just minutes to spare.
  • Aronoff, who asked to be arraigned today, appeared before the media for just minutes Thursday to read a brief statement.
  • For just a moment there, tournament golf had taken its toll: Saavedra had lost the head.
  • I wan na wait, wait, wait just a second.
  • It takes just a second: One car plows into another and the backup begins.
  • It went dead for just a second.
  • Let's continue the story for just a moment in a ridiculous way.
  • Neighbours pulled her to safety just minutes before flames took hold.
  • At rest the cricket looks like a dead leaf, but it transforms itself at the last moment.
  • At the last minute a sense of something unsaid made her hurry after him.
  • At the last moment, it veered away and came to halt by a vent.
  • Fortunately, Chrysler dropped the idea for such a fin at the last minute.
  • I can not chuck them at the last minute.
  • In Madrid Casado triumphed and at the last moment Communist power was broken.
  • Perhaps he could arrange for Anthony to go sick at the last minute.
  • The bends in the road came at the last moment.
  • A brief moment of madness, I admit.
  • Essex are likely to fine Neil Foster for his moments of madness yesterday.
  • Francis made his will in a moment of madness.
  • Grandcourt finds Gwendolen screaming in a fit of madness.
  • He wondered if the bad blood of the d'Urbervilles was to blame for this moment of madness.
  • In a moment of madness Rosenoir kicked Alan Kernaghan as he lay on the ground.
  • It was a moment of madness.
  • Just that one brief moment of madness ... Then the bitter tears of self-reproach.
  • And in that magic moment I heard a sound I had never heard before.
  • I was going to miss that magic moment of seeing air under the tyres for the first time.
  • It was a magic moment, the music describing what was in front of our eyes.
  • No magic moments at the Manor.
  • Seeing a bear like that is a magic moment no matter how many times you re-live it.
  • The four-year-old leukaemia victim had flown 4,700 miles for the magic moment.
  • The head of the Old Man and a magic moment.
  • When Tom Lehman filters his memory for magic moments of 1995, one in particular might be hard to visualize.
  • Back in 1831 the man of the moment was one Squire George Osbaldeston.
  • Except for one player, the man of the moment in the Kingdome.
  • Miltiades was the man of the hour, and his advice was to strike at once and win back the Cyclades.
  • Sean Bean's the man of the moment.
  • That's what makes Bush the man of the hour, for these are indisputably good times.
  • You ought to be the man of the hour.
  • However, on the odd occasion that I purchase fish elsewhere, I do quarantine the fish for two weeks.
  • Not on the odd occasion, but each time they took this fit.
  • On the odd occasion the jollities would get out of hand and the fists would fly.
  • This doesn't matter on the odd occasion; it is only a problem if it occurs regularly.
  • We've been working on the Panch Chule expedition for a year, but it's just the odd day basically.
  • We just used to banter, have the odd drink together, fool around in the snow.
  • For those who are waiting for the most opportune time to invest in a home, this is an excellent time to do that.
  • This seemed like an opportune moment to ask the government to mount a tree-planting program.
  • His work - and his mission - comes at an opportune time.
  • I waited, hoping for an opportune moment to discuss the possibility of my earning a little money.
  • Meanwhile, he would take up the matter with Archbishop Perier at an opportune time.
  • Porter bought Goat Island and Preserved it at an opportune moment.
  • The announcement Tuesday may have come at an opportune time.
  • To her now he was just a young fellow who happened to be in the house at an opportune time.
  • Would this be an opportune time to suggest a move to help reduce the fragmentation of the industry?
  • I know that her proudest moment was when she won a prize in high school in 1929, for writing.
  • It's the proudest possession in my house.
  • To me, it was the funniest, proudest moment I had ever had in baseball.
  • To this day, this remains Morrissey's proudest moment.
► the psychological moment► not a moment too soon/none too soon
  • Darby was a cheerfully relaxed young man who compiled cryptic crosswords for a monthly magazine in his spare time.
  • In her spare time she makes and decorates cakes of different shapes and sizes for all occasions.
  • In his spare time, Grigsby gave legal advice to the Black Panthers.
  • In many schools, teachers are spending their spare time fund-raising and making equipment to support the new Curriculum.
  • Q: What do you do in your spare time?
  • Q: When you have spare time, what do you do?
  • We had some spare time, so we started messing around with samples and sequencers and stuff.
  • I bought the car on the spur of the moment.
  • It was a spur-of-the-moment decision.
  • On the spur of the moment, she decided to enter the race that she had come to watch.
  • On the spur of the moment, we decided to head north that day instead of East.
  • But airlines allow them to fly on the spur of the moment on a standby basis.
  • He just took a calculated risk on the spur of the moment.
  • I just reacted on the spur of the moment.
  • I pledged to never again go home with some one on the spur of the moment.
  • Now I could call other parents on the spur of the moment, arrange overnights for Janir or invite his friends over.
  • They make quick changes and responses on the spur of the moment.
  • This list wasn't compiled on the spur of the moment.
  • When she got through he said he had taken a train on the spur of the moment and was in Bristol.
► a year/a week/a moment/an hour etc or two
  • In an unguarded moment, he admitted taking the file.
  • As he stepped to one side, Christina had a clear view of Stephen's face in an unguarded moment.
  • Had his anti-female attitude been weakened during an unguarded moment?
  • The only human explanation was that one of us had said something in an unguarded moment.
  • You caught him at an unguarded moment.
  • And wait a minute ... Sage Derby.
  • And hey, wait a minute.
  • Beth, can it wait a minute?
  • But wait a minute! - Wasn't that blood?
  • But wait a minute, what's this?
  • I rounded the corner, then stopped, waited a moment and peeked back into the lobby.
  • They come back, you know, if I wait a minute.
  • Ward waited a moment by the door.
  • For a weak moment she almost relented.
  • Indeed there are no really weak moments vocally, although I am not convinced by the style of all the vocal cadenzas.
Word family
WORD FAMILYnounmomentmomentumadjectivemomentarymomentousadverbmomentarily
1point in time a particular point in time:  It was one of the most exciting moments in his life.at this/that moment (=used for emphasis) Just at that moment there was a knock on the door. She may be in trouble at this very moment and trying to call you. I remember the moment when I first saw him after the operation. Quinn always seems to be in the right place at the crucial moment. I just this moment (=only a very short time ago) arrived and already Dan wants to know when I’m leaving. At this moment in time it would be inappropriate to comment on the situation. From that moment on (=after that time) we were the best of friends. ► Don’t say ‘in that moment’ when you mean ‘at that particular time’. Say at that moment: At that moment, everything stopped.2short time a very short period of time:  He was here a moment ago. Can you spare a few moments to answer some questions?in a moment (=very soon) I’ll come back to that point in a moment.for a moment It was quiet for a moment, then Rae spoke.after a moment ‘I don’t understand,’ said Louise after a moment. A moment later we heard a splash.wait/just a moment (=used when you want someone to wait a short time while you do or say something) Just a moment; let me put these away first. We have to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice (=very quickly).► see thesaurus at time3at the moment British English especially spoken, American English formal now:  Julia’s on holiday in Spain at the moment. At the moment, the situation in Haiti is very tense.4for the moment used to say that something is happening or is true now but will probably change in the future:  Well, for the moment we’re just friends. For the moment the rain had stopped.5the moment (that) somebody does something as soon as someone does something:  He said he’d phone you the moment he got home.6the last moment if you do something at the last moment or if something happens at the last moment, it happens at the last possible timeat the last moment The operation was cancelled at the last moment. She always leaves everything to the last moment.7(at) any moment extremely soon:  The plumber should be here any moment now. The roof could collapse at any moment.8opportunity [usually singular] a particular time when you have a chance to do something:  His wife Denise was there to share his big moment (=opportunity to do something great).choose/pick your moment (=try to choose the best time to do something) He picked his moment carefully to tell them the news. This was her moment and she knew she had to take it.9moment of madness/weakness/panic etc a short period of time when you do not feel or behave as normal and often do or say something which you later wish you had not done or saidin a moment of something In a moment of madness I agreed to go with him. He experienced a brief moment of panic.10one moment ... the next/from one moment to the next used to say that a situation changes very suddenly, often in a way which you do not expect or cannot explain:  One moment she’s kissing me, the next she doesn’t want to see me again. You never know what’s going to happen from one moment to the next.11not believe/think/do something for a/one moment especially spoken used to say that you did not believe, expect etc something at all:  He didn’t fool me for a moment. She had never for one moment imagined that it could happen to her.12of the moment the person, idea, word etc of the moment is the one that is most important or popular at the present time:  They interview personalities on a topic of the moment. the mood of the moment13have its/your moments to have periods of being good or interesting:  a movie that had its moments14be having a moment informal to be having a time of success or popularity – used especially in magazines:  Short hairstyles are having a moment.15not a moment too soon almost too late:  The ambulance finally arrived, and not a moment too soon.16the moment of truth the time when you will find out if something will work properly, be successful etc17be/live in the moment to give your full attention to the situation you are in, and not think about the past or the future18of great moment old-fashioned importantCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1adjectivesright/perfect· I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell her.· The moment is not quite right just yet.an opportune moment (=a good time to do something)· I was waiting for an opportune moment to leave.a historic moment (=a moment that is important in history)· The fall of the Berlin wall was a historic moment.a memorable moment· There have been many memorable moments in this year’s Olympics.the exact/precise moment· Her stomach chose that precise moment to make a loud noise.the very moment (=used for emphasizing that something happened at a particular time)· I could tell something was wrong from the very moment I walked in through the front door.the present moment (=now)· At the present moment, there are 500 students at the school.an important moment· This was probably the most important moment in his life.a critical/crucial moment (=a very important moment)· This was a critical moment in the country’s history.a defining moment (=something that shows the real character or purpose of something)· The win was a defining moment in the boxer’s career.somebody’s finest moment (=when someone was most successful or admired)· The performance was one of the band’s finest moments.somebody’s proudest moment (=when someone did the thing they are most proud of)· My proudest moment was when my daughter was born.the worst moment· Standing on the edge waiting to do your bungee jump is the worst moment.verbscapture the moment (=to take a picture, describe something etc that will remind you of a particular time)· They captured the moment on film.enjoy the moment· She found herself laughing with him, enjoying the moment.savour the moment (=enjoy the moment)· He seemed to savour every moment of their conversation.relive the moment (=experience something again by thinking about it, talking about it etc)· In court she had to relive the moment her son was murdered.choose a moment to do something (=do something at a particular time)· She always seemed to choose the worst moment to interrupt his thoughts.dread a moment (=feel anxious or worried about something that will happen)· She was dreading the moment when she would have to fire him.phrasesjust this/that moment (=only a very short time ago)· I had just that moment arrived.at this moment in time (=now)· At this moment in time we cannot proceed with the proposal.from that moment on (=after that time)· From that moment on I saw very little of Dean.moment to moment/moment by moment (=used for emphasizing that something changes quickly)· The colours of the sunset changed moment to moment.every waking moment (=all the time you are awake)· He spent every waking moment in the lab.at a given moment (=at any particular time)· There was no variety at all - you knew exactly what you would be doing at any given moment of the week.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2verbstake a moment (=use a short time)· Coleman took a moment to reply.have a moment (=have a short time to use)· Can you come and see me when you have a moment?wait a moment· Wait a moment while I get my coat.pause a moment (=stop speaking or doing something for a short time)· Lisa paused a moment, then said ‘yes’.hesitate a moment (=not speak or do something for a short time because you are unsure of what to say or do)· Paul hesitated a moment then followed her.spare a moment (=used when asking someone if they have a short time available to spend with you)· Can you spare a moment to go through some figures with me?phrasesjust a moment (=used when telling someone to wait)· Just a moment, I’ll go and get her.at a moment’s notice (=very quickly)· Fire fighters need to be able to get ready at a moment’s notice.a moment ago· I saw him outside just a moment ago.there’s never a dull moment (=something is always exciting or full of activity)· There’s never a dull moment with Chris around!adjectivesa brief moment· For a brief moment, he looked directly at her.a fleeting moment (=a very short time)· For a fleeting moment she wanted to run away.a long moment· He was silent for a long moment before replying.a spare moment (=short period of time when you are not doing other things)· She spent every spare moment in the library.
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