# beat the clock

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/beat-the-clock
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To perform a task or successfully complete an activity within a time limit.

## Examples

- We must finish this report to beat the clock.
- The students worked quickly to beat the clock before the teacher collected their final exams.
- Despite the sudden technical failures, the dedicated crew managed to beat the clock and launch the satellite before the narrow window of opportunity closed.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.