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

As bomb technicians struggled to disarm the explosive, the FBI raced against the clock to deliver the ransom while simultaneously hunting the extortionists. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

For Rocklin High seniors Esmeralda Martinez and Doris Thao, Monday brunch has become a race against the clock. — Conor McGill, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Two days after a powerful deadly earthquake struck western Colombia, rescue teams are racing against the clock to search for survivors. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Now, the secretary of state’s rejection sets the stage for a race against the clock. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 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