beat the clock
beet the CLOCK
/biːt ðə klɒk/
To finish a task or reach a destination before a particular time limit or deadline.
Implies a sense of competition or a race against a mechanical timer.
The story behind the word. This idiom likely originated from game shows and sporting events in the mid-20th century where contestants literally had to complete tasks before a large visible clock hit zero.
Word relationships
- finish early: 'Finish early' is literal; 'beat the clock' implies a race against time.
- miss the deadline: Missing the deadline means failing to finish in time.
Commonly confused with
- against the clock: 'Against the clock' describes the process of working fast; 'beat the clock' describes the successful result.
Word family
- beating the clock (verb (present participle)): The act of trying to finish before a deadline.
Collocations
- managed to beat the clock
- trying to beat the clock
- race to beat the clock
Example sentences
- "The striker managed to beat the clock, scoring the winning goal just seconds before the final whistle blew." Sports reporting
- "We had to work through lunch to beat the clock and submit the proposal by 5 PM." Business deadline
Memory hook
Imagine a runner punching a giant alarm clock as they cross the finish line. Punch the clock to win the race.
When not to use
Avoid in highly formal legal documents where 'met the deadline' is more precise.
Fun facts
- The phrase became widely popular due to the 1950s TV game show 'Beat the Clock'.
Related words
Explore more words
make the grade, nail it, driven, fall behind, surpass, keep up
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