後あとになる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

become late; fall behind; lag; pass (of time)

Used when something ends up later than expected or when time passes. Often implies a delay or that a scheduled time has already gone by.

• 気きがついたらもうこんな時じ間かん。ずいぶん後あとになったね。

  Before I knew it, it was already this late. Time has really passed, hasn't it?

• 会かい議ぎの開かい始しが後あとになって、みんなイライラしていた。

  The meeting started late, and everyone was irritated.

• 返へん事じが後あとになってしまい、申もうし訳わけありません。

  I'm sorry my reply is late.