time being

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1
  1. This is secret information, please keep it to yourself for the time being.

I don’t understand the use of “the time being” in #1.

Does it mean,

  1. "Keep it for yourself as along as I’ve told you otherwise.

If so, then

  1. “Keep it to yourself for some time”?

wouldn’t work, right?

What can I substitute “the time being” with in #1?

Thanks

2

“for the time being” is an idiomatic expression meaning “for the moment”, “for now” (i.e. referring to something that prevails for a certain period of time but may change at some point in the future). It is not very obvious even to native speakers what the words “the time being” literally mean.

3

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Hello, E2e4:

Until I read your question, I had never thought about how to parse (analyze) that expression.

I found some information that has helped me, and I am happy to share it:

  1. “For the time being” can be described as a set phrase.

  2. It means “for the present time” or even “temporarily.”

  3. The “being” is the present participle of the verb “be.”

  4. In this set phrase, we can parse “being” as an adjective (that modifies “time”) In other words: the present time.

Your sentence is “This is secret information. So keep it to yourself for the time being.” / “This is secret information. So, for the time being, keep it to yourself.”

If you accept the information in sentences #1 - #4, then I guess that the sense of your sentence is something like:

This is secret information. Do not tell anyone about it until I tell you that it is OK to open your mouth about it.

You wrote “Keep it for yourself as along as I’ve told you otherwise.”

a. I believe that you have done a good job.

b. I would just change it to: “Keep it to yourself until I tell you otherwise.”

James

Sources for the information in sentences #1 - #4:

THE PLACE OF THE ADJECTIVE ATTRIBUTE by Birger Palm (1911). Google books.

MERRIAM-WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY (online)

4

Thank James.

In addition, the typing mistakes I do, reminds me I am a death wormed up whenever the weather is bad, just before a storm or tipping down.
What is that kind of weather called in English? (low pressure)

Thanks

5

Thank you, E2e4.

I am sure that someone will soon answer your excellent question. (I know NOthing about weather terminology.)

James

6

wet weather!

7

wet weather!