- To compensate for a period when something couldn't be done, often by doing it more intensely or for longer afterwards.
Explanation
Origin
- Based on the idea that time, once lost (due to delays, absence, missed opportunities), needs to be compensated for through extra effort or activity.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Play catch-up
- Get back in the swing of things (Return to normal activity after absence/delay)
- Kick it into high gear / Put the pedal to the metal (Work much faster/harder)
Milder/Standard:
- We need to catch up.
- Let's compensate for the delay.
More Formal:
- We must expedite progress to meet the original schedule.
- We need to recover the schedule.
Situational Appropriateness
- Suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts (work projects, personal relationships, study).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally clear. Context usually specifies what kind of lost time is meant (work, social, etc.).
Examples
- We lost a week due to the storm, so now we have to work overtime to make up for lost time.
- After being sick for a month, she's eager to make up for lost time with her friends.
Dialogue
Friend 1: I feel bad we had to cancel our last two coffee dates.
Friend 2: Me too! Let's definitely meet up this Saturday and make up for lost time. Maybe a longer brunch?
Friend 1: Perfect! I'm looking forward to really catching up.
Social Media Examples
- Instagram Caption: Finally exploring this city after my flight was delayed by a day! Ready to sightsee like crazy and make up for lost time. 🏃♀️💨 #travel #adventure #makingmemories
- Tweet: Down with the flu last week, so didn't write a single word. 🤒 Now feeling better and ready to make up for lost time on my novel! #amwriting #writingcommunity
Response Patterns
- Yeah, we really need to push now.
- Okay, what's the plan?
- Absolutely, let's get to it.
- (If relational) That sounds like a great idea.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After suggesting making up for lost time:
- Discuss *how* this will be achieved (So, what's the strategy?, Does that mean extra hours?).
- Express agreement and readiness (Right, let's do it!).
- Assess feasibility (Can we realistically do that?).
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually a response to realizing time or opportunity was missed.
Intonation
- Emphasis often on MAKE UP and LOST TIME. We need to MAKE UP for LOST TIME.
- Tone can be determined, urgent, enthusiastic, or sometimes nostalgic (in relationship contexts).
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common across English-speaking regions.