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

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

Wednesday’s arguments also came amid a race against the clock. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Rescuers are rushing against the clock to find anyone still alive in the muddy aftermath of the flooding, which destroyed nearly everything in its path. — ABC News, 30 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