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
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
In Venezuela, rescue teams have been racing against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira last Wednesday.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
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Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 June 2026
In Venezuela, rescue teams have been racing against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira last Wednesday.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Against the clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/against%20the%20clock. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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