time to unwind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time to unwind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting or indicating a moment to relax or de-stress after a busy period. Example: "After a long week at work, it's finally time to unwind and enjoy the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But now it was time to unwind.

The New York Times

Otherwise, it could take a long time to unwind.

The Washington Post

That's when it's time to unwind with some late-night carousing.

The New York Times - Style

This time, Mr. Greenspan wanted to be sure that everyone had time to unwind such positions.

The New York Times

More time to unwind with a sketch pad or a script.

The New York Times - Sports

You need time to unwind, cook a nice meal, maybe start a new box set.

The Guardian - Opinion

For most students, Independent Activities Period is a time to unwind after surviving four months of term work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But before we hit the second half of the season, there will also be some time to unwind a little.

The New York Times

Bank lending to consumers has shrunk by less, in part because most of it consists of mortgages, which take some time to unwind (see chart 1).

The Economist

Every year after the season ends, he said he takes time to unwind and consider the future, and, since 2005, has decided to return to coach the Celtics.

The New York Times - Sports

Now that we're in a phase of ending corporate welfare, it seems like a good time to unwind these most perverse of handouts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time to unwind" when suggesting a break from work or stressful activities. For example, "After the project deadline, it's time to unwind."

Common error

Avoid using "time to unwind" in highly formal or professional communications where a more sophisticated phrase might be more appropriate. Instead, consider using phrases like "time for respite" or "moment for relaxation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to unwind" functions as an infinitive phrase that acts as a noun, indicating a period or opportunity for relaxation. It is commonly used to suggest or describe moments when one can release stress and engage in relaxing activities, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Forbes

10%

HuffPost

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time to unwind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a period for relaxation and stress relief. According to Ludwig, this phrase is generally considered neutral to informal, making it suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. When a more formal tone is needed, alternatives such as "time for respite" might be preferable. With its widespread use and clear meaning, "time to unwind" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary when discussing the importance of rest and relaxation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time to relax

Focuses specifically on relaxation as the primary activity.

opportunity to unwind

Highlights the availability of an occasion to relax.

time to de-stress

Highlights the reduction of stress as the main goal.

time to chill out

Uses a more informal term for relaxing and calming down.

time to take it easy

Suggests a gentle and unhurried approach to relaxation.

time to kick back

Emphasizes a casual and laid-back form of relaxation.

time for leisure

Formal and emphasizes the enjoyment of free time.

time for recreation

Highlights engaging in enjoyable activities during free time.

moment to breathe

Focuses on pausing and calming oneself in a stressful situation.

chance to recharge

Implies replenishing one's energy after depletion.

FAQs

What does "time to unwind" mean?

The phrase "time to unwind" means it's an appropriate moment to relax and release stress, often after a period of work or tension.

What can I say instead of "time to unwind"?

You can use alternatives like "time to relax", "time to de-stress", or "time to chill out" depending on the context.

How to use "time to unwind" in a sentence?

You can use "time to unwind" in a sentence like: "After a long week, it's finally "time to unwind" and enjoy the weekend." or "This vacation is the perfect "time to unwind" and forget about work."

Is "time to unwind" formal or informal?

The phrase "time to unwind" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "time for respite".