give the time of day

To salute someone, like a neighbor or an acquaintance. To acknowledge someone.

"He's so arrogant he won't even give the time of day".

by jumartinsfr June 13, 2014

To give the time of day

(idiomatic) To pay attention to, to acknowledge someone, to give someone respect.

you have to give the time of day to me for me to be able to explain this to you

by kk_a June 17, 2025