Slang dictionary
in due time
[ in doo tahym ]
What does in due time mean?
In due time means “eventually” or “at the right time.”
In due time is often used to suggest that someone should be patient or to suggest that some event will happen eventually. Often when a person uses it, they are being intentionally vague. Perhaps they don’t have any idea when something will actually happen or they don’t want to reveal when the event will happen.
Example: I can’t fix the car right now, but I will get to it in due time.
Where does in due time come from?
In the phrase in due time, the word due is used to mean “proper” or “rightful.” Therefore, in due time refers to a moment in time that is considered proper without specifically saying when that is.
The first records of in due time come from around 1387. The phrase was often used in religious texts to refer to God’s judgment or God’s will. Religious writers or preachers would remind people that God is immortal, so it may take a long time before He makes something happen or punishes someone but God will do so in due time.
Today, we still commonly use in due time when we know (or think we know) something will happen at some point but we aren’t sure how soon that time will come.
Last thing I will EVER do is rush my process.
What is meant to be will come in due time 🌎
— gio 🌎 (@giobrice07) February 21, 2021
The universe will always reveal the why in due time. The answer always reveals itself in the most subtle ways
— Mrs. Mercurian ✨ (@indigostellium) February 27, 2021
Examples of in due time
Who uses in due time?
In due time is a common phrase that is used to mean something will happen eventually.
I’m giving up on trying to get an Xbox or PS5 right now… it will come in due time
— PHrozone 🥶 (@_bgarnett) November 26, 2020
Boris Johnson says he agrees society could deal with Covid as it deals with flu in future
PM: "I do think in due time it will become something we simply live with"
— Nick Eardley (@nickeardleybbc) February 13, 2021
The easiest way to tell if an artist has the "it factor" is their mentality.
The ones who have it are the ones willing to sacrifice everything for music. They just know it's going to happen, in due time.
— Noah Miller (@iamnoahmiller) February 13, 2021
In due time is often used in the expression All in due time.
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of in due time like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of in due time that will help our users expand their word mastery.