a race against time
idiomatic phrase
variants
or a race against the clock
: a situation in which something must happen or be done quickly because little time is available
Divers pulling the 12 boys and their soccer coach from the cave were in a race against time, with the threat of rains making an already difficult rescue even more urgent.—
Richard C. Paddock and Muktita Suhartono
Richard C. Paddock and Muktita Suhartono… as everyone argued back and forth about whether to enter arbitration …, the issue of time came up. For some in the group, this was a race against the clock due to their illnesses and the need for medical treatment.—Steven Allen Bruce
Steven Allen BruceExamples of a race against time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the episodes progress, Miren finds herself in a race against time to uncover the mystery of Laura’s disappearance.
—Isabella Wandermurem, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025
In a race against time, clouds and the setting sun, photographer Josh Dury captured this dramatic photograph of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) at dusk on Jan. 15.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Against that backdrop, Story is in a race against time.
—Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024
Prolonged exposure leads to hypothermia, slowing bodily functions, impairing movement, and dulling the senses—essentially making survival a race against time.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for a race against time 
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Isabella Wandermurem, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025
In a race against time, clouds and the setting sun, photographer Josh Dury captured this dramatic photograph of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) at dusk on Jan. 15.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Against that backdrop, Story is in a race against time.
—Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024
Prolonged exposure leads to hypothermia, slowing bodily functions, impairing movement, and dulling the senses—essentially making survival a race against time.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for a race against time
Dictionary Entries Near a race against time
Cite this Entry
“A race against time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20race%20against%20time. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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