runs out the clock
Kills remaining time
To run out the clock is to deliberately use up remaining time, especially in sports, to protect a lead and prevent the opponent from having a chance to score.
A team ahead in football might run out the clock by choosing plays that keep time moving rather than stopping it.
The phrase extends beyond sports to any situation where someone delays or stalls until a deadline passes: The defense attorneys ran out the clock until the statute of limitations expired.
- stallingIntentional delay tactics
- time-wastingUnproductive use of hours
- defensive playAction preventing opponent advancement
- prevent defenseDeep zone to protect lead
- dragging outExtending duration needlessly
postponement · deferral · pacing · holding pattern · avoidance · four corners · delay of game · garbage time · hesitation · ball control · taking a knee · buffering · calculated risk · procrastination · passive resistance · playing it safe · interim measures · manipulation
runs out the clockgoes for the kill
Attempts to finish off
goes all out · goes for the jugular · fast breaks · pulls out all the stops · swings for the fences
runs out the clockfights back
Opposes an attacker
claws back · seizes the initiative · turns up the heat · gambles
runs, runner, runners, outer, outermost, outwardly, clock, clocks, clocked