running out the clock
Delay until done
Running out the clock is a strategy of using up remaining time rather than pursuing further advantage, especially in sports where a team with the lead makes safe, time-consuming plays to prevent the opponent from scoring: They stopped trying to score and just ran out the clock.
The phrase extends to any situation where someone delays until a deadline passes: The defendant's lawyers are running out the clock on the statute of limitations.
- delay of gamePenalty for slow play
- filibusteringProlonged speech blocking legislation
- time-wastingUnproductive use of hours
- killing timePassing moments idly
- stallingIntentional delay tactics
slow play · ball control · passive resistance · bluffing · procrastination · distraction · misdirection · four corners · prevent defense · garbage time · contingency planning
- delay tacticsstalling, delaying tactic, procrastination, postponement, deferral
- obstructionobstruction, delay, roadblock, blockade, barricade
running out the clockgoing for the kill
Pursuing a finishing move
going all out · hurry-up offense · pressing · full-court press · pulling out all the stops
running out the clockhurry-up offense
Rapid-tempo football strategy
two-minute drill · fast break · quick strike · no-huddle · rapid fire
running, runner, runners, outing, clock, clocks, clocked, clocking, clockwise