On the clock Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkɫɑk
AHN-thuh-KLAHK
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /klˈɒk
ON-thuh-KLOK
Definition
Doing work during your official working hours or when you are being paid to work. It can also refer to being timed or observed for efficiency.
Usage & Nuances
Common in workplace talk (usually informal). Often refers to actions allowed or not allowed while 'on the clock'. Can also mean being timed for speed, especially in sports or jobs with performance measures.
Spanish: en horario de trabajo - trabajandoPortuguese (BR): no expediente - durante o trabalhoPortuguese (PT): em serviço - no horário de trabalhoChinese (Simplified): 上班时间 - 在工作中Chinese (Traditional): 上班時間 - 工作期間Hindi: काम के समय - ड्यूटी परArabic: في وقت العمل - أثناء الدوامBengali: ডিউটিতে - অফিস সময়েRussian: на работе - в рабочее времяJapanese: 勤務中 - 勤務時間中Vietnamese: đang trong ca làm việc - trong giờ làm việcKorean: 근무 중 - 근무 시간에Turkish: mesai saatinde - çalışırkenUrdu: ڈیوٹی پر - کام کے وقتIndonesian: sedang bekerja - saat jam kerja
Example Sentences
He cannot take personal calls while he's on the clock.
basic
Are you still on the clock or did you finish your shift?
basic
Employees must wear uniforms when on the clock.
basic
I'm not supposed to eat snacks while I'm on the clock.
natural
You can't just leave; you're still on the clock.
natural
We have to get this done fast—we're on the clock.
natural