burn daylight
Fritter away hours
To burn daylight is to waste time during working hours, squandering the productive part of the day.
The phrase dates to when daylight was the primary light source for getting things done: We're burning daylight—let's get moving.
It often appears as an exhortation to stop delaying and start working.
Delay action unnecessarily
- dawdleLinger without purpose
- idleWithout activity or purpose
- loafBaked bread shape
- lollygagIdle aimlessly, delay
tarry · dillydally · linger · stall · fritter away · squander · trifle · loiter
Move with urgency
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- rushQuick sudden movement
- time's wastingUrgency to act now
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
expedite · swift · race against time · time-sensitive · fleeting · quick · seize the day · carpe diem
Failing to achieve results
- ineffectiveLacking power to achieve
- squanderUse up carelessly
- mismanageHandle duties poorly
- underperformFail to meet standards
lackadaisical · sluggish · lethargic · stagnant · slack · spinning wheels · going nowhere · treading water
Act on present opportunity
- strike while hotAct during optimal conditions
- now or neverFinal opportunity phrase
- tempus fugitLatin for fleeting time
- regretSorrow over past actions
hesitate · slip away · running out · ticking clock · hourglass · sundial
procrastinate
Delay action unnecessarily
lollygag · tarry · dillydally · linger · stall · fritter away · squander · trifle · loiter · meander
hurry
Move with urgency
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- rushQuick sudden movement
- time's wastingUrgency to act now
pressing · expedite · swift · race against time · time-sensitive · fleeting · quick · seize the day · carpe diem · make haste
unproductive
Failing to achieve results
- ineffectiveLacking power to achieve
- squanderUse up carelessly
- mismanageHandle duties poorly
underperform · lackadaisical · sluggish · lethargic · stagnant · slack · spinning wheels · going nowhere · treading water · lost time
seize the moment
Act on present opportunity
- strike while hotAct during optimal conditions
- now or neverFinal opportunity phrase
- tempus fugitLatin for fleeting time
regret · hesitate · slip away · running out · ticking clock · hourglass · sundial
burn daylightmake hay while the sun shines
Act during favorable circumstances
seize the day · carpe diem · buckle down · get cracking · hustle
burn daylightstrike while the iron is hot
Act when conditions favor
seize the moment · take the bull by the horns · jump at the chance · take action · go for it
burn, daylight, burns, burned, burnt, burning, burner, burners, burnout