run down the clock
Waste time intentionally
To run down the clock is to deliberately use up remaining time rather than trying to score or advance.
In sports, a team with a lead runs down the clock to prevent opponents from getting another possession: They ran down the clock with a series of short runs.
The strategy extends beyond athletics—anyone stalling until a deadline passes is running down the clock: The defense lawyers are just running down the clock until the statute of limitations expires.
- stallingIntentional delay tactics
- timeoutBrief suspension of play
- garbage timeBlowout's concluding stretch
- filibusteringProlonged speech blocking legislation
- delayingCausing later occurrence
defensive strategy · ball control · time-wasting · delay tactics · pressure · tension building · pacing · four corners · hockey · dawdling · tension · procrastinating · brinkmanship · elapsed · basketball · manage · time allocation · football
run down the clockattack mode
State of active aggression
go all out · leave it all on the field · go for the jugular · go for broke · take risks
run down the clockhurry-up offense
Rapid-tempo football strategy
two-minute drill · fast break · no-huddle · quick strike · rapid fire
running, runner, runners, runny, down, downer, downs, downed, downing