Definition
To not give someone the time of day means to not be friendly to someone and not speak to or help that person.
For example – “I asked the boss for help but he didn’t give me the time of day.”
Clip 1
Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Season 2 episode 7 (1997)
Buffy says, “Ford wouldn’t give me the time of day” when talking about her old friend, Billy “Ford” Fordham. She’s explaining that she had a crush on him back in her old school, but he didn’t notice her or show interest in return
Clip 2
Clerks II – (2006)
Becky says this to Dante when he’s talking about a girl from his high school. She’s reminding Dante that this girl never showed interest in him back then, even though Dante now seems to think he has a chance with her.
Becky uses “wouldn’t give you the time of day” to point out that the girl was never interested in Dante in the past and probably won’t be now. It’s a way for Becky to tease Dante and highlight his unrealistic expectations.
Clip 3
Suits – Season 5 Episode 14 (2016)
When Mike asks what Benjamin thinks about the accusations against him that he never truly graduated as a lawyer from Harvard, Benjamin tells Mike that he knew Mike was guilty when he first heard the rumors, explaining that every single Harvard graduate acted superior to him, hence the phrase “they never gave me the time of day” and that Mike never behaved like this.
Clip 4
Suits – Season 5 Episode 10 (2016)
In a flashback scene, Harvey’s father confronts Harvey during a boxing sparring session to ask him why he had left their house so abruptly earlier. He references the lack of attention Harvey gave to his younger brother by saying “you didn’t give him the time of day.”