Phrase guide

bankers' hours

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The time period between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. of a weekday (corresponding to a late start, an early quit, and no weekend work).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: plural, plural-only

Examples

  • I don't see how anyone with a day job is supposed to deal with them when they keep only bankers' hours.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: working hours

2

noun

Meaning 2

Any easy job, especially one with a short working day.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, plural, plural-only

Examples

  • Q: How's she like her new job? A: She's careful not to admit it, but it's bankers' hours and she knows it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: sinecure

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the traditional opening hours of banks in the 1800s, and in some parts of the United States, maintained until the 1960s.