against the clock
Meaning
Working as fast as possible because there is little time left before a deadline.
Origin
From the idea of racing time itself—like timed contests where you try to finish before the clock runs out. It became a common metaphor for deadline pressure.
Notes
Conveys urgency and time pressure, often implying stress or haste to meet a deadline. Common in speech and writing, including business contexts.
Examples
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We’re working against the clock to finish the report before the deadline.
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The surgeons operated against the clock to stop the internal bleeding.
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With the storm approaching, the crew raced against the clock to secure the equipment.
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I was up all night studying against the clock for my exam in the morning.
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They ran against the clock to restore power to the neighborhood after the outage.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an adverbial phrase: work/run/race against the clock. The article is fixed (“the clock”). Often with progressive forms (“are working”).
Synonyms
- under the gun
- racing against time
- in a race against time
- on a tight deadline
- pressed for time
Antonyms
- with plenty of time
- at leisure
- take your time