How to Read “Take time while time is, for time will away”
Take time while time is, for time will away
TAYK tym hwyl tym iz, for tym wil uh-WAY
The phrase “time will away” uses an old form meaning “time will go away.”
Meaning of “Take time while time is, for time will away”
Simply put, this proverb means you should make good use of time while you have it because opportunities don’t last forever.
The literal words tell us to “take time” when time exists. The phrase “time will away” means time will disappear or pass by. Together, they create a gentle reminder about time’s fleeting nature. The message encourages us to act while we can, rather than waiting.
We use this wisdom when facing important decisions or opportunities. Someone might think of this when considering whether to learn a new skill. Others remember it when spending time with aging relatives. The saying applies to career choices, relationships, and personal goals that require immediate attention.
What’s interesting about this wisdom is how it balances urgency with thoughtfulness. It doesn’t say to rush or panic about time. Instead, it suggests being intentional and aware. People often realize this proverb teaches both patience and action at the same time.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of this proverb is unknown, though it appears in various forms in English literature. The unusual phrasing “time will away” reflects older English grammar patterns. Early versions of this saying used different word arrangements but carried the same essential meaning.
During medieval and Renaissance periods, people were very aware of time’s passage. Life was often shorter and less predictable than today. Sayings about using time wisely became common because wasted opportunities could mean real hardship. Communities valued wisdom that helped people make better choices about their limited time.
This type of proverb spread through oral tradition and written collections. The specific wording evolved as language changed over centuries. The core message remained constant even as the grammar became more archaic. Eventually, simpler versions like “time waits for no one” became more popular in everyday speech.
Interesting Facts
The phrase “time will away” uses an old grammatical form where “away” works as a verb meaning “to go away.” This construction was more common in Middle English but sounds unusual to modern ears.
The word “time” comes from Old English “tima,” which originally meant “limited space of time” rather than time in general. This connects to the proverb’s focus on specific moments and opportunities.
This saying uses internal rhyme with “time” appearing three times, making it easier to remember. Repetition was a common device in traditional proverbs to help people memorize important wisdom.
Usage Examples
- Mother to teenage daughter: “Don’t put off that art class you’ve been wanting to take – take time while time is, for time will away.”
- Grandfather to his grandson: “Visit your friends while you’re all still in the same town – take time while time is, for time will away.”
Universal Wisdom
This proverb touches on one of humanity’s most fundamental anxieties: the irreversible nature of time. Unlike almost everything else in life, time cannot be saved, stored, or recovered once it passes. Our ancestors observed this truth daily as seasons changed, children grew, and opportunities vanished. They recognized that awareness of time’s passage often comes too late to matter.
The wisdom reveals a deep tension in human psychology between our desire for security and the reality of constant change. We naturally want to believe we have unlimited chances to act, learn, or connect with others. This comforting illusion helps us function day to day. However, the proverb gently disrupts this false security by reminding us that “time will away” whether we acknowledge it or not.
What makes this insight universally relevant is how it addresses both individual and collective human behavior. Personally, we all struggle with procrastination and the assumption that opportunities will always exist. Socially, communities that ignore this wisdom often find themselves unprepared for challenges or unable to pass knowledge to younger generations. The proverb captures why successful societies develop traditions around seizing moments for education, celebration, and connection. It explains why cultures create rituals marking important transitions and why elders consistently urge younger people to act while they can.
When AI Hears This
We treat time like an endless bank account while hoarding physical things. People spend hours hunting for bargains to save small amounts of money. Yet they waste entire afternoons scrolling phones without thinking twice. Time feels free because we can’t see it disappearing like water from a glass.
This happens because our brains evolved to notice visible threats and resources. Empty food stores meant danger, but time’s passage stayed invisible. We developed strong instincts to save tangible items we could touch and count. Meanwhile, time slips away unnoticed because it has no weight or color.
The strange beauty is that this flaw might actually help us. If we truly felt time’s scarcity every second, we might become paralyzed. Our time blindness lets us take risks and enjoy simple moments. We can laugh with friends without calculating the exact cost per minute.
Lessons for Today
Living with this wisdom requires developing a different relationship with both time and opportunity. The challenge isn’t becoming frantically busy or anxious about every passing moment. Instead, it’s about cultivating awareness of which moments and opportunities truly matter. This awareness often comes from understanding your own values and recognizing when circumstances align with your goals.
In relationships, this wisdom suggests paying attention to the people who matter most while they’re available. Aging parents won’t always be there for conversations. Children grow up and become independent. Friends move away or life circumstances change. The proverb encourages us to invest in these connections while the opportunity exists, rather than assuming they’ll always be available later.
For communities and organizations, this wisdom applies to preserving knowledge, maintaining traditions, and preparing for change. Skills that aren’t passed down disappear with their practitioners. Cultural practices that aren’t actively maintained fade away. The insight here isn’t to frantically preserve everything, but to thoughtfully identify what’s worth maintaining and act while the knowledge and resources exist. This ancient wisdom remains relevant because it acknowledges a simple truth: the present moment is the only time we can actually influence, and that moment is always moving away from us.
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