ENENENEN
FR
ES
RU
IT
TR
UKagainst the clock
/ɐɡˈɛnst ðə klˈɒk/
/ɐɡˈɛnst ðə klˈɑːk/against the clock
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "against the clock" and when to use it?
The idiom "against the clock" originated from the world of sports, specifically from track and field events. In these events, athletes compete to achieve the fastest time or set a new record. The phrase "against the clock" refers to the idea of competing against time itself, as the clock measures and records the duration of the performance. It is commonly used in professional settings such as project management, business, and emergency situations, where deadlines play a crucial role.
Examples
1. Everyone is racing against the clock to get things ready in time.
2. I was racing against the clock, but I finished the test just before the bell.
3. HQ Trivia, a seemingly innocent game where you earned money by answering general culture questions, against the clock.
4. Because playing against the clock, having a chance to make money and knowing that you are better than someone else was an almost perfect combination.
more