Run down/out the clock
verb
To intentionally use up time, usually to finish a game or event with a favorable outcome.
The basketball team decided to run down the clock and simply hold onto the ball to maintain their lead.
Often appears as...
- run down the clock on
- run out the clock with
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To delay or postpone something until a particular time or date has passed.
The politicians are just trying to run down the clock until their opponents lose popularity.
Often appears as...
- run out the clock until
- run down/out the clock on
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To intentionally use up time, usually to finish a game or event with a favorable outcome.
The basketball team decided to run down the clock and simply hold onto the ball to maintain their lead.
Often appears as...
- run down the clock on
- run out the clock with
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
verb
To delay or postpone something until a particular time or date has passed.
The politicians are just trying to run down the clock until their opponents lose popularity.
Often appears as...
- run out the clock until
- run down/out the clock on
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Sports Origin
Originally from sports, used when a team tries to preserve a lead by holding onto the ball.
After scoring, the football team would run down the clock to end the match.
Pro Tip 2/3Strategy Implication
Implies a strategic choice to waste time, often viewed negatively by those waiting.
The student tried to run out the clock during the exam, avoiding the hard questions.
Pro Tip 3/3Tension Builder
Can create suspense or frustration for the audience anticipating the game's outcome.
The audience was on edge as the team kept running down the clock.
Pro Tip 1/3Sports Origin
Originally from sports, used when a team tries to preserve a lead by holding onto the ball.
After scoring, the football team would run down the clock to end the match.
Pro Tip 2/3Strategy Implication
Implies a strategic choice to waste time, often viewed negatively by those waiting.
The student tried to run out the clock during the exam, avoiding the hard questions.
Pro Tip 3/3Tension Builder
Can create suspense or frustration for the audience anticipating the game's outcome.
The audience was on edge as the team kept running down the clock.
Pro Tip 1/3Sports Origin
Originally from sports, used when a team tries to preserve a lead by holding onto the ball.
After scoring, the football team would run down the clock to end the match.
Pro Tip 2/3Strategy Implication
Implies a strategic choice to waste time, often viewed negatively by those waiting.
The student tried to run out the clock during the exam, avoiding the hard questions.
Pro Tip 3/3Tension Builder
Can create suspense or frustration for the audience anticipating the game's outcome.
The audience was on edge as the team kept running down the clock.
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