give someone the time—
1. (also: give someone time) be patient with smb. in expectation of a change or achievement:
- Parents don’t have to solve the problems for him—just give him the time and attention he needs to grow.
2. (sl., euph.) have sex with a person:
- I was personally acquainted with at least two girls he gave the time to.
give someone the time of day—(usually negat.) exchange a greeting or casual remark with a person:
- Lippy wouldn’t have given Danny the time of day … not if he’d have come to him on bended knees.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase know the time of day—(coll.) be perceptive and shrewd; have good judgment:
- David is a trainer who knows the time of day—he is one of the best in the profession.
Cf.: not know what time it is —(coll.) be not very smart or not informed on the situation:
- From the kind of things I’ve seen him do, he doesn’t know what time it is. He’s dangerous.