against the clock

phrase

1

: with or within a time constraint

working against the clock

2

: with clocked speed rather than the order of finish as the criterion for placement

trial races against the clock

Examples of against the clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Holzmann said the worsening economic conditions are pushing the Kast administration to race against the clock to translate medium- and long-term initiatives into concrete actions that have a direct impact on citizens’ pockets. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

The search becomes a race against the clock because each species goes on the wing just briefly between spring and autumn – sometimes for as little as three days – in very specific locales. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026

For someone who has historically struggled in races against the clock, this was reason to be optimistic. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Fail, and the Patriots will give the ball back to the Seahawks while also fighting against the clock. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for against the clock

• electroshock
• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk