time stands still
The phrase "time stands still" is used to describe moments when time seems to pause, often due to emotional or significant events.
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Definition
B2Emotional Intensity
(figurative)A moment feels paused due to unexpected or intense emotions.
Example
- When I heard the news of my friend's passing, it felt like time stood still.
B2Admiration and Awe
(figurative)Time seems to pause because of deep admiration or wonder.
Example
- As she walked down the aisle, it felt like time stood still.
C1Historic or Anachronistic Places
(figurative)A place feels as though it belongs to a different time period.
Example
- Walking through the old village, it felt like time stood still.
B2Significant Moments
(figurative)A pivotal moment that has a profound impact, making time feel paused.
Example
- During our first date, I felt like time stood still.
B2Boredom
(figurative, informal)Time feels like it is passing very slowly due to boredom.
Example
- The lecture was so dull that it felt like time stood still.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "time stands still":
stand stilltime stopdead standtime forgotat a standstandstill agreementslow timefreeze frametempus fugitstand fastbullet timetime warpall standingstand in