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

Blue Origin is racing against the clock to undo the damage caused by its New Glenn rocket exploding in May. — Chris Young july 12, New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Back at the eyewear brand’s headquarters in Foothill Ranch, the design team was racing against the clock to help a global football star remain in the 2024 European Championships in Germany. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Defending champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo return to Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, where the world's top competitive eaters push the limits of human consumption in a 10-minute race against the clock. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Reacher must work against the clock with Susan's brother Jacob to solve the mystery of why Susan killed herself, find her missing son Peter, and ultimately save his own life when he gets caught up with dark forces with almost unlimited power. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 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