clock up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To accumulate or record a total amount, typically distance, time, or a score, often progressively or over a period. It commonly refers to the action of a mechanical device (like an odometer or timer) registering this total.
Usage and Examples
The verb "clock up" is used to describe the action of accumulating a measurable total. It is often followed by a direct object specifying the amount (e.g., miles, hours, points).
- The delivery driver clocked up over 200 miles today.
- The veteran pilot has clocked up more than 10,000 flying hours in his career.
- The team managed to clock up a convincing victory with three goals in the first half.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
While the core meaning involves recording a total, "clock up" often carries a connotation of steady accumulation, sometimes to a notable or impressive degree. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.
- Connotation of Achievement: Often implies reaching a significant milestone through sustained effort.
- She has clocked up 25 years of service with the company.
- Neutral Recording: Can simply state a factual total without positive or negative judgment.
- The car has clocked up 150,000 kilometers.
Variants and Related Words
- Clock (verb): To record the time or speed of something.
- He clocked the fastest lap in the race.
- Log (verb): To make a formal record of details, especially in a logbook. This is a close synonym but is more systematic.
- Sailors must log their position daily.
Synonyms
- Accumulate: To gather or collect an increasing number or quantity over time.
- Notch up: An informal synonym, often used for scores or successes.
- Run up: To allow a total to accumulate, often used for debts or scores.
- Chalk up: To attribute or score, often used for victories or achievements.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Clock in/on: To record the time of one's arrival at work.
- Employees must clock in by 9 a.m.
- Clock out/off: To record the time of one's departure from work.
- She clocked off at 5:30 p.m.
Related Idioms
- Against the clock: Rushing to finish something before a deadline.
- We're working against the clock to complete the project.
- Turn the clock back: To return to a situation or a style from the past.
- We can't turn the clock back on technological progress.
Verb
- record a distance travelled; on planes and cars