ABC English Lessons

All phrases › it's only a matter of time

What does “it's only a matter of time” mean?

Meaning, example sentence and a quick practice question.

C1

Used to say something is certain to happen eventually, even if you don't know exactly when

“It's only a matter of time before they announce the merger.”

From the C1 lesson What's Next? (the future).

Quick check

What does “it's only a matter of time” mean?

Teaching this phrase?“it's only a matter of time” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
See the C1 lesson pack

Or get all 32 lessons in the complete C1 course and save 25%.

Want to use phrases like this with confidence?Practice them in a one-to-one lesson with me, an experienced online English teacher.
Book a lesson

Related phrases