English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Banker’s hours
Meaning
The idiom "banker's hours" refers to the hours during which a bank is open to customers for business transactions. It has come to be used metaphorically to describe periods when someone or something is available for a particular activity, typically outside of regular working hours.
Usage
- I like to work on my project during the wee hours of the morning, so that's when you can find me - during banker's hours.
- The gym is always packed during banker's hours when people have time off from work.
- She likes to go for a walk in the park during banker's hours, which means she goes early in the morning or late at night.
- We like to have our family dinner during banker's hours, so that everyone can be present.
- My favorite time to shop for groceries is during banker's hours because it's less crowded and I can get everything I need done quickly.
Roots and History
The term "banker's hours" originated in the early 20th century, when banks began to open their doors later in the evening to accommodate customers who wanted to do business after work. Over time, the phrase has been used metaphorically to describe any period of time outside of regular working hours when someone or something is available for a particular activity.
Synonyms in English
- Business hours
- Working hours
- Open hours
- Office hours
- Service hours
Synonyms in other languages
- Fréquence d'ouverture du bureau de banque (French) - Refers to the frequency of a bank's opening hours, including its schedule and any changes that may occur.
- Godziny otwarcia banku (Polish) - Refers to the bank's opening hours in Poland, with specific mention of holidays and special occasions when the bank may be open for extended hours.
- 汽车公司的交通时间 (Chinese) - Refers to the transportation times of a car company, including periods outside of regular working hours when customers can schedule appointments or pick up their vehicles.
- 海豚店的营业时间 (Japanese) - Refers to the business hours of a sea otter shop in Japan, with specific mention of holidays and special events when the shop may be open for extended hours.
- 狗尿场开放时间 (Spanish) - Refers to the opening hours of a dog pissing area in Spain, with specific mention of weekends and holidays when the area may be open for longer periods of time.