Against the clock.
racing to beat a deadline
The phrase 'against the clock' refers to a scenario where someone is rushing or working hard to complete a task before a predetermined deadline. Imagine you're working on a project at work, and suddenly, your boss says it needs to be completed by the end of the day. You are now working 'against the clock,' racing against time to finish your work. This idiom perfectly captures the urgency and pressure felt when time is a critical factor. It's commonly used in both professional and personal contexts, whenever time constraints are at play.
Example Sentences
They worked against the clock to finish the report before the deadline.
They worked very quickly to finish the report before the deadline.
Rescue teams were working against the clock to find survivors after the earthquake.
Rescue teams were working very quickly to find survivors after the earthquake.
With just an hour left, they raced against the clock to complete the task.
With just an hour left, they were working quickly to complete the task.
