Time relations

The third entry is a tempo e horas, and no single English phrase covers it, because the idea is split three ways and the three do not stand in for one another. « On time » means at the appointed moment, and what it is measured against is a timetable or a deadline: « the train left on time », « the report went in on time ». « In time » says nothing about an appointment. It means early enough for something to still be possible, and it almost always drags a purpose behind it, spoken or understood — « in time to stop him », « in time for the last post », « just in time ». « In good time » adds a margin on purpose, and with the margin comes a faint note of prudence, which is why it is the form an invitation and a safety notice both reach for: « book in good time », « tell them in good time ». A tempo e horas sits squarely on the first of the three. Rendering entregou o relatório a tempo e horas as « in time » quietly reports that he nearly missed it.