time was (when)

time was (when)

In previous times; there was a time when. (Used to introduce something that used to be common, especially when one thinks that is the way things should still be.) This city has gone to the dogs. Time was, a person could walk down the street at night and not be afraid of getting mugged. Time was when we actually wrote letters to one another, instead of yammering away to each other on the likes of Facebook or Twitter.
See also: time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

time was (when)

there was a time when; at a time in the past. Time was when old people were taken care of at home. Time was when people didn't travel around so much.
See also: time
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

time was

Formerly, in the past, as in Time was, the city streets were perfectly safe at night. [Mid-1500s]
See also: time
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

time was

there was a time.
1998 Times Time was when venture capital was shunned by self-respecting, ambitious corporate financiers…No longer.
See also: time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

time ˈwas (when)...

(old-fashioned) used to say that something used to happen in the past: Time was when you could go for a walk in the country and not see another person for miles.
See also: time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

time was

There was once a time: "Time was when [urban gangs] were part of a ... subculture that inner-city adolescence outgrew" (George F. Will).
See also: time
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • at all hours
  • at all hours (of the day and night)
  • any time means no time
  • against time
  • against the clock
  • any time
  • (it's) time to run
  • anytime
  • (it's) time to push along
  • (it's) (a)bout time