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against the clock
01
as quickly as one possibly can because there is not much time available
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.
Example
We're racing against the clock to get this report done.
She will be working against the clock to meet the upcoming deadline.
We're racing against the clock to catch the last train.
By this time tomorrow, we will be racing against the clock to finalize the preparations.
They were working against the clock all night to fix the technical issues.
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