be late
The phrase "be late" commonly refers to not arriving or happening at the expected time, and can have various applications depending on the context.
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Definition
A2General
(common)To arrive after the planned or expected time.
Example
- She was late for the meeting and missed the important discussion.
- The train is always late during rush hour.
B1Personal Habit
(informal)To have a habitual tendency to arrive after the expected time.
Example
- John is always late to work, no matter how early he leaves.
B2Menstrual Cycle
(colloquial)To have a delayed menstrual period, possibly indicating pregnancy.
Example
- She was worried because she was late this month.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "be late":