beats the clock
Outpaces the deadline
To beat the clock is to finish something before a deadline or time limit expires.
The phrase evokes racing against a ticking timer: We beat the clock and submitted the application with minutes to spare.
In games and competitions, beating the clock means completing a task before time runs out.
- stopwatchInterval timing device
- raceCompetition of speed
- race against timeUrgent struggle before deadline
- timerDuration-tracking mechanism
- buzzerElectric signaling device
rush · deadline · countdown · time limit · dash · time pressure · finish · just in time · punctuality · last-minute · goal · contest · urgency · second · split second · hurry · efficiency · unbeatable
beats the clocktimes out
Exceeds allowed duration
too late · runs out the clock · falls behind · expires · lapses
beats the clockdawdles
Moves unnecessarily slowly
procrastinates · drags one's feet · runs down the clock · wastes time · kills time
beat, beats, beating, beaten, beater, beaters, clock, clocks, clocked