Beat the clock
verb phrase
To finish something before an agreed or stated time limit.
She was able to beat the clock and finished her test in time.
Often appears as...
- trying to beat the clock
- beat the clock and finish
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
In sports, to play strategically so that the game ends before the time runs out.
They were ahead, so they decided to just keep the ball and beat the clock.
Often appears as...
- beat the clock by passing
- beat the clock to win
verb phrase
To finish something before an agreed or stated time limit.
She was able to beat the clock and finished her test in time.
Often appears as...
- trying to beat the clock
- beat the clock and finish
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
In sports, to play strategically so that the game ends before the time runs out.
They were ahead, so they decided to just keep the ball and beat the clock.
Often appears as...
- beat the clock by passing
- beat the clock to win
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Conveys a sense of urgency, acting fast to achieve a goal within a limited time.
She worked quickly to beat the clock and submit her application.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic
Often used in everyday English to describe quick completion of tasks.
He managed to beat the clock and get to the post office before it closed.
Pro Tip 3/3Success
Implies successful completion, not just participation or effort.
They beat the clock, finishing the project before the deadline.
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Conveys a sense of urgency, acting fast to achieve a goal within a limited time.
She worked quickly to beat the clock and submit her application.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic
Often used in everyday English to describe quick completion of tasks.
He managed to beat the clock and get to the post office before it closed.
Pro Tip 3/3Success
Implies successful completion, not just participation or effort.
They beat the clock, finishing the project before the deadline.
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Conveys a sense of urgency, acting fast to achieve a goal within a limited time.
She worked quickly to beat the clock and submit her application.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic
Often used in everyday English to describe quick completion of tasks.
He managed to beat the clock and get to the post office before it closed.
Pro Tip 3/3Success
Implies successful completion, not just participation or effort.
They beat the clock, finishing the project before the deadline.
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