短语 the sands of time 是表达时间 time 的另一个说法。这个说法更有诗意，常被用在谈论时间流逝的语境中。
- "I am always ready to score the winning goal," said the footballer, dismissing those who said the sands of time are running out on his long career.
- Plan for your retirement. The sands of time catch up with everyone.
值得注意的是，短语 to draw a line in the sand 的意思是事先制定底线。
- Mary drew a line in the sand. If her son didn't do his homework on Monday, he would have to stay at home for a month.
