ə reɪs əˈɡɛnst taɪm
Time
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- a competitive race with time as the opponent
What does "a race against time" mean?
a situation where something must be done very quickly before a deadline
Examples
- Rescuers were in a race against time to find survivors in the rubble.
- Finishing the renovations before the wedding was a real race against time.
- Scientists are in a race against time to develop a vaccine.
Origin
The metaphor of racing against time became popular in the 19th century.
How to use it
Used to describe high-stakes situations with tight deadlines.
Similar expressions
against the clock
time crunch
under time pressure
Related idioms
- in the long run
Over a long period of time
- better late than never
It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- from time to time
occasionally, not regularly
- in the nick of time
Just in time; at the last possible moment
- run out of time
to have no more time left to do something
- time flies when you're having fun
Enjoyable moments seem to pass quickly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "a race against time" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.