PhrasesHub

Against the clock

    Definitions

      • to do something as quickly as possible
        To complete a task or activity in a limited amount of time, often with a sense of urgency or pressure

      • in a race against time
        To be running out of time to complete a task or achieve a goal, often with the added pressure of a deadline

      • working under time constraints
        To have a limited amount of time to complete a task or activity, often with a sense of urgency or pressure to finish before a deadline

    Examples of Against the clock

    • The athlete ran a mile in under four minutes, breaking the world record against the clock.

      This idiom means to work quickly and efficiently under pressure or in a limited amount of time. In this example, the athlete was racing against the clock to break the world record, implying that every second counted and there was no room for error.

    • The team had to complete the project before the deadline, working against the clock to meet the tight deadline.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a business context. The team was working under pressure to finish the project before the deadline, which could have serious consequences if they failed to meet it.

    • The surgeon operated on the patient for several hours, working against the clock to save their life.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used in a medical context. The surgeon was working under intense pressure to save the patient's life, as every second counted and any delay could have serious consequences.

    • The chef prepared the meal in record time, working against the clock to impress the demanding guests.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a culinary context. The chef was working under pressure to prepare the meal quickly and efficiently, as the guests were demanding and expecting a high-quality dining experience.

    • The student studied for the exam late into the night, working against the clock to cram as much information as possible into their head.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in an academic context. The student was working under pressure to prepare for the exam, as every second counted and they needed to absorb as much information as possible before the test.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "against the clock" is commonly used to describe a situation where time is a crucial factor in completing a task or achieving a goal. It can refer to a race against time, working under time constraints, or simply trying to do something quickly. In all of these cases, there is a sense of urgency and pressure to complete the task or activity within a limited amount of time.

    This idiom is often used in a work or academic context, where deadlines are common and time management is essential. It can also be used in a more casual setting to describe a situation where time is of the essence, such as trying to catch a flight or finish a project before a party.

    Origin of "Against the clock"

    The origin of the idiom "against the clock" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. It may have been inspired by the invention of the clock and the increasing importance of time management in daily life. It is also possible that it was influenced by the phrase "beat the clock," which means to finish something before a specific time.

    The idiom is commonly used in sports, particularly in track and field events, where athletes are literally racing against the clock to beat their personal best time or set a new record. It has also been used in military contexts, referring to the pressure of completing a mission within a specific time frame.

    Overall, the idiom "against the clock" has become a common phrase in the English language, representing the constant struggle to manage time and complete tasks efficiently in our fast-paced world.