THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Against the clock
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Working quickly to finish something before a deadline or time limit.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- We worked against the clock to print the programmes before the doors opened.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
We worked ________ to print the programmes before the doors opened.
Show the answer
Against the clock — Working quickly to finish something before a deadline or time limit.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Against the clock” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Working quickly to finish something before a deadline or time limit.
Compare: We worked against the clock to print the programmes before the doors opened.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use this expression when limited time puts pressure on a task. It suits accounts of preparation, study, events or practical work.
More examples in context
- The students were racing against the clock to finish their model.
- With only ten minutes left, the team was working against the clock.
Usage note
Common patterns are work against the clock and race against the clock. The phrase highlights time pressure, not necessarily poor planning. It can also describe timed attempts in a competition.
A short conversation
A: The guests arrive in fifteen minutes.
B: Then we are working against the clock.
A: I will set the tables while you finish the signs.
One more practice question
Which team is working against the clock?
A. One trying to complete the setup before a rapidly approaching opening time.
B. One with no deadline and no pressure to finish quickly.
Check your answer
A. The approaching time limit makes quick completion important.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.