# work against the clock

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/work-against-the-clock
Updated: 2026-07-14

## Meaning

To aim to finish something before a specific time.

## Examples

- The team works against the clock to finish the project today.
- With the deadline only two hours away, the designers are working against the clock to complete the final presentation.
- The medical staff worked against the clock to stabilize the patient before the transport helicopter arrived at the hospital.

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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.