giving the time of day

Verb

give the time of day (third-person singular simple present gives the time of day, present participle giving the time of day, simple past gave the time of day, past participle given the time of day)

1. (idiomatic) To acknowledge someone; to give someone respect or attention; to tip one's hat.
   • If you're lucky, she might give you the time of day.
2. (idiomatic) To not acknowledge someone; to snub someone; to disrespect someone; to ignore someone.
   • He won't give the time of day to someone like you or me.
3. (dated, literally) To tell someone the time of day by looking at one's wristwatch, etc.