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

Now, the secretary of state’s rejection sets the stage for a race against the clock. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

Last works are always carried out against the clock, pieced and patched together as time and energy dwindle. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 31 July 2026

Beat the race against the clock—here's how to research and book a last-minute eclipse trip. — Stefanie Waldek, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026

French lawmakers are racing against the clock to reach a compromise that would allow a bill banning social media for children under 15 to possibly enter into force at the start of the new school year in September. — Samuel Petrequin, Fortune, 20 July 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