at the same time

Idioms & Phrases

at the same time

  1. Simultaneously, as in We were all scheduled to leave at the same time. This idiom was first recorded in 1526. For synonyms, see at once, def. 1; at one time, def. 1.

  2. Nevertheless, however, as in Mary agreed with her mother's criticism, but at the same time she wanted to defend her husband's views. [c. 1700]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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