Against the clock Meaning in English
expression
əˈɡeɪnst/, /əˈɡɛnst/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkɫɑk
uh-GAYNST thuh KLAHK
ɐɡˈɛnst/ /ðə, ði/ /klˈɒk
uh-GENST thuh KLOK
Definition
If you are doing something 'against the clock', you are trying to finish it as fast as possible because you have little time left.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is informal and often used when there is a deadline or not enough time. Common in work, exams, or sports situations. Usually not used for regular activities without time pressure.
Spanish: contra reloj - a contrarrelojPortuguese (BR): contra o relógio - correndo contra o tempoPortuguese (PT): contra o relógio - a correr contra o tempoChinese (Simplified): 争分夺秒 - 与时间赛跑Chinese (Traditional): 爭分奪秒 - 與時間賽跑Hindi: समय के खिलाफ - समय से दौड़नाArabic: ضد الساعة - سباق مع الزمنBengali: সময়ের সঙ্গে যুদ্ধ - সময়ের বিরুদ্ধে কাজRussian: на время - наперегонки со временемJapanese: 時間と競争して - 時間に追われてVietnamese: chạy đua với thời gianKorean: 시간과 싸우다 - 시간에 쫓기다Turkish: zamanla yarışmak - zamana karşıUrdu: وقت کے خلاف - وقت کی کمی میںIndonesian: melawan waktu - berpacu dengan waktu
Example Sentences
We're working against the clock to finish the project.
basic
The students worked against the clock to finish their exam.
basic
She raced against the clock to catch her train.
basic
With the deadline so close, we're really against the clock now.
natural
I finished my assignment just against the clock, seconds before it was due.
natural
Whenever we're against the clock, our team pulls together and gets things done.
natural