Time is nigh

Etc   Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:23 am GMT
Does this mean "the time is almost here?"
The Time Is Nigh
KungFuTurtle   Fri Aug 07, 2009 6:25 am GMT
That's right, but it has a more immediate connotation than simply almost here, and it has a sense of urgency, indicating that something must be done.

Also, it's only used regarding grand actions. I.e. the time is nigh stand up for our rights and overthrow the oppressive government.

No one would say "The time is nigh to have a piece of chocolate cake."
Etc   Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:00 am GMT
Thanks. Does the sentence "the time draws nigh" have the same 'immediate connotation' and urgency? I doubt it.
Uriel   Sun Aug 09, 2009 7:43 am GMT
It's just archaic English for "near". That's why it gets reserved for grandiose occasions rather than being used for commonplace utterances -- it's no longer a commonplace word.