rush-hours
Definition
Noun (plural)
1. The busiest periods of the day for travel: "rush-hours" refer to the times of day when traffic congestion and crowding on public transportation are at their peak, typically during the morning and late afternoon as people travel to and from work. This is a plural noun, but it is often used in the singular form "rush hour" to refer to a single such period.
Usage Examples
- (The peak traffic periods in the morning and evening.)
- (She avoids the busy travel times due to overcrowding.)
- (The specific times of peak congestion.)
Advanced Usage
- "to travel during rush-hours": to commute or journey at peak traffic times.
- It is advisable to leave early to avoid traveling during rush-hours. (It is wise to depart before the busiest periods.)
- "rush-hours traffic": the heavy flow of vehicles or people during these peak times.
- Rush-hours traffic can double your commute time. (The heavy congestion during peak periods can significantly lengthen travel time.)
Variants and Related Words
- Rush hour (singular noun): a single peak travel period, either morning or evening.
- The morning rush hour is the worst time to drive. (The early peak period is the most difficult for driving.)
- Rush (verb/noun): to move quickly or with urgency; a period of hurried activity.
- He had to rush to catch the bus. (He moved quickly to board the bus.)
Synonyms
- Peak hours: the times of greatest activity or demand.
- Peak hours for public transport are between 8 and 9 AM. (The busiest times for transit.)
- Busy periods: times when there is a lot of activity or traffic.
- The store is most crowded during busy periods like lunchtime.
Related Idioms
- "In the thick of it": in the most intense or busy part of something.
- He was driving in the thick of rush-hours traffic. (He was in the middle of the heaviest congestion.)
- "The hour of the wolf": a metaphorical phrase for a time of great difficulty or struggle (not directly related to rush-hours, but used for extreme situations).