at this time—at present; now:
- A local man is under suspicion but there isn’t enough evidence to justify an arrest at this time.
Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase at this time of day—in present circumstances; when things have reached the stage they now have:
- It’s no good changing our minds at this time of day; we ought to have done that before.
this time—on this occasion:
- With the new scroll placed on the bulletin board, all may see who made the honor roll this time.