biːt ðə klɒk
Time
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- to defeat or outrun a clock
What does "beat the clock" mean?
to finish something before the deadline
Examples
- We managed to beat the clock and submit the proposal five minutes before the deadline.
- The construction crew beat the clock, finishing the bridge repair ahead of schedule.
- She raced through the checkout line, trying to beat the clock before the store closed.
Origin
Popularized by the American TV game show 'Beat the Clock' (1950-1961).
How to use it
Used when there is urgency or a fixed deadline that one must meet.
Similar expressions
make the deadline
finish in time
race against time
Opposites
miss the deadline
run out of time
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 "beat the clock" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.