clock is ticking
Time is running out; a deadline is approaching.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The clock is ticking on our project deadline.”
“We must finish this report by five o'clock, and the clock is ticking.”
“As the final hours of the negotiation approached, the mediator reminded both parties that the clock is ticking on their opportunity for a peaceful resolution.”
- 01
around the clock
Alternative form of around-the-clock.
- 02
beat the clock
To perform a task or successfully complete an activity within a time limit.
- 03
clean someone's clock
To defeat someone decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.
- 04
clock in
To be measured at.
- 05
clock the tea
To discover the truth about something.
- 06
face that would stop a clock
A shockingly unattractive face.
- 07
get one's clock cleaned
To be thoroughly defeated.
- 08
milk the clock
To use as much time as one can in order to gain a benefit.
Last updated August 10, 2026