Clock is ticking Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɫɑk/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈtɪkɪŋ
KLAHK iz TIK-ing
klˈɒk/ /ˈɪz/ /tˈɪkɪŋ
klOK iz TIK-ing
Definition
This expression means that time is running out to do something, or that there is a deadline approaching.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in informal or semi-formal contexts when there is urgency or pressure to finish something before time runs out. Commonly paired with tasks, deadlines, decisions, or competitions.
Spanish: el reloj está corriendo - se acaba el tiempoPortuguese (BR): o tempo está passando - o relógio está correndoPortuguese (PT): o tempo está a passar - o relógio está a contarChinese (Simplified): 时间在流逝 - 时间不多了Chinese (Traditional): 時間在流逝 - 時間不多了Hindi: समय निकल रहा है - घड़ी चल रही हैArabic: الوقت يمر - الساعة تدقBengali: সময় ফুরিয়ে আসছে - ঘড়ির কাঁটা চলছেRussian: время уходит - время поджимаетJapanese: 時間が迫っているVietnamese: thời gian đang cạn dần - đồng hồ đang chạyKorean: 시간이 얼마 남지 않았다Turkish: zaman daralıyor - saat işliyorUrdu: وقت ختم ہو رہا ہےIndonesian: waktu hampir habis - jam terus berdetak
Example Sentences
The clock is ticking, so we must finish our homework soon.
basic
You need to decide quickly—the clock is ticking.
basic
The team worked faster because they knew the clock is ticking.
basic
If we don’t leave now, we’ll miss the train—the clock is ticking!
natural
The clock is ticking on your application—you don’t want to miss the deadline.
natural
They still haven’t found the missing child and the clock is ticking.
natural