Stop the clock

usgb
phrase

To pause a timed activity or event.

During the basketball game, the referee will stop the clock whenever there is a violation.
Visual representation of "stop the clock" - To pause a timed activity or event

Often appears as...

  • referee stop the clock
  • stop the clock game
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "stop the clock"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sports Context

Used extensively in sports to indicate a timeout or break in the action.

Illustration for Sports Context
The coach signaled to stop the clock after the player's injury.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Time-Sensitive

Implies urgency or a critical moment where every second counts.

Illustration for Time-Sensitive
As the deadline approached, we had to stop the clock to resolve the issue.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Temporary Pause

Indicates a short interruption, not the end of the activity.

Illustration for Temporary Pause
The match continued after they stopped the clock to check the score.
Visual representation of the word "Stop the clock"

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