give (someone) the time of day
phrase
chiefly US, informal
: to pay attention to someone
—usually used in negative statements
No one would give us the time of day.
I needed their help, but they wouldn't give me the time of day.
Cite this Entry
“Give (someone) the time of day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20%28someone%29%20the%20time%20of%20day. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
