beat the clock
Finish before deadline
To beat the clock is to finish something before time runs out.
The phrase evokes races against a timer—game shows, sports, work deadlines: We beat the clock and submitted the proposal with minutes to spare.
The emphasis is on urgency and the satisfaction of finishing in time.
Preset duration constraint
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- last-minuteJust before deadline
- eleventh-hourAt the latest possible moment
- urgencyPressing need for action
crunch-time · cutoff · rush · time-sensitive · procrastination · schedule · punctuality · turnaround
Competition of speed
- timerDuration-tracking mechanism
- speedRate of motion
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- buzzerElectric signaling device
sprint · stopwatch · split-second · nail-biter · clutch · overtime · qualifying · personal-best
time-limit
Preset duration constraint
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- last-minuteJust before deadline
- eleventh-hourAt the latest possible moment
urgency · crunch-time · cutoff · rush · time-sensitive · procrastination · schedule · punctuality · turnaround · expedite
race
Competition of speed
- timerDuration-tracking mechanism
- speedRate of motion
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
buzzer · sprint · stopwatch · split-second · nail-biter · clutch · overtime · qualifying · personal-best · record-breaking
- time pressurerush, rushed, urgency, no time to lose, deadline
- time sayingstime flies, time is money, time heals all wounds, time will tell, carpe diem
- timed gamesblitz chess, rapid chess, speed chess, time trials, countdown
- game showsbuzzer, buzzers, contestant, contestants, jackpot
- burnoutburned out, burnt out, burn out, burning out, burnout
- Speed Expressionsin a flash, quick as a flash, in no time, lickety-split, lickety split
beat the clockfall behind
Fail to maintain pace
run out the clock · come up short · time out · expire · lapse
beat the clocktake one's time
Act without haste
no rush · dawdle · procrastinate · drag one's feet · unhurried
beat, clock, beaten, beating, beats, beater, clocks, unbeatable, clocked