against the clock
Adverb 1. With urgency due to limited time; in a race to finish before a specific deadline or time runs out. This phrase describes an action performed under intense time pressure, emphasizing the effort to complete something before it is too late.
The phrase "against the clock" is used to describe a situation where there is a severe time constraint. It often implies a frantic or highly focused effort to beat a ticking clock or a fixed endpoint. - It typically follows verbs like race, work, operate, or go. - It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the action of the verb.
- The emergency team worked against the clock to rescue the trapped miners.
- We are racing against the clock to submit the proposal before the 5 PM deadline.
- Preparing the conference hall was a frantic job done against the clock.
- In a race against the clock: This is a common collocation that reinforces the competitive metaphor of racing.
- The surgeons were in a race against the clock to save the patient's life.
- Used to describe the nature of a task or project itself.
- The final week of the campaign was a constant battle against the clock.
- Against time: A very similar phrase with identical meaning and usage.
- They are working against time to finish the repairs.
- Time-critical (adjective): Describing a task where time is a crucial factor.
- Deadline-driven (adjective): Motivated or defined by a deadline.
- Under pressure
- Against time
- In a hurry
- With time running out
- Beat the clock: To finish successfully before time expires.
- The quarterback managed to beat the clock and throw a winning touchdown.
- Down to the wire: Continuing until the last possible moment.
- The negotiations went down to the wire.
- In the nick of time: At the last possible moment.
- The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.
The phrase is metaphorical, comparing the effort to a race where the opponent is time itself. It is almost always used in contexts with a clear, impending deadline or a sense of urgency caused by time constraints.
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as fast as possible; before a deadline
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it was a race against the clock
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