time-clock

Employees use the time-clock to record their arrival at the office.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device for recording working hours: A "time-clock" is a mechanical or electronic device used in workplaces to track the arrival and departure times of employees, typically by stamping or recording the time on a card or digital system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The employees must punch the time-clock at the start and end of each shift. (They use the device to record when they begin and finish work.)
  • The factory installed a new digital time-clock to improve payroll accuracy. (The new device helps track hours more precisely.)

Advanced Usage

• "to punch the time-clock": to record one's arrival or departure using the device.

  • He forgot to punch the time-clock this morning, so he had to report to HR. (He failed to register his start time.)

• "time-clock" as a symbol of routine work: Often used metaphorically to represent the monotony of hourly wage labor.

  • She felt trapped by the time-clock, always watching the minutes tick by. (She felt constrained by the rigid schedule of her job.)

Variants and Related Words

• Time card (n): a card used with a time-clock to record work hours.

  • Please insert your time card into the slot on the time-clock. (The card is physically stamped by the device.)

• Timekeeper (n): a person or device that records time, such as a time-clock.

  • The old timekeeper was replaced by an automated time-clock. (The device took over the role of tracking hours.)

Synonyms

• Time recorder: a device that records the time of events.
• Punch clock: informal term for a time-clock, especially one that requires a physical punch or stamp.

Phrasal Verbs

• Punch in / punch out: to use a time-clock to record arriving at or leaving work.
  • Don't forget to punch in when you arrive. (Register your start time.)
  • She punched out exactly at 5:00 PM. (Recorded her departure time.)

Related Idioms

• On the clock: working and being paid, especially during time tracked by a time-clock.

  • He was still on the clock when the fire alarm went off. (He was officially working.)

• Off the clock: not working or not being paid, especially after time-clock use.

  • She stayed off the clock to finish the project. (She worked without pay or without recording time.)