Against the clock

Meaning

In a great hurry to complete something before a set deadline.

Examples

Sorry, no pub lunch for me today, I’m up against the clock. This report’s got to be done by 6pm or I’m dead.

Where did it originate?

The United Kingdom, 20th century. The allusion being that someone is in a race against the clock.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Against the clock