Word: After Hours
Definition:
"After hours" is an adverbial phrase that means something happens not during the regular hours when businesses or places are open. It usually refers to the time after typical working hours, like after 5 PM for most offices.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "after hours" to describe activities, events, or actions that take place in the evening or night when most people are off work. This phrase is often used in a professional context but can apply to social situations as well.
Examples: 1. "The office is closed, but I often check my emails after hours." 2. "The restaurant serves a special menu after hours for late-night customers."
Advanced Usage:
In a business context, "after hours" can refer to overtime work, events that are not officially part of the working day, or informal gatherings outside of normal business operations.
Word Variants:
1. After-hours (adjective): Used to describe something related to this time period. - Example: "They have after-hours meetings every Thursday."
Different Meanings:
While "after hours" typically refers to time outside of regular business hours, it can also imply a sense of exclusivity, as some activities that happen after hours may be private or special.
Synonyms:
- Late (as in late-night) - Off-hours - Evening - After work
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "after hours," but you might hear phrases like: - "Burning the midnight oil" (to work late into the night) - "Clocking in/out" (referring to the start/end of work hours)
Summary:
"After hours" is used to indicate activities that take place outside the regular working schedule. It can refer to work, events, or social gatherings that happen in the evening or later.