beat the clock
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.33 in modern English
25
Scrabble Score
12
Letters
3
Syllables
9
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To perform a task or successfully complete an activity within a time limit.
verb
To be used or become operational before a deadline or date of expiration.
Example Sentences
- "He and Mr. Goldie have managed to beat the clock, finishing and printing the book themselves while Mr. Murray is still alive."
- "Evander Kane just beat the clock in the final hour before the NHL lockout, agreeing to terms with the Winnipeg Jets on a six-year, $31.5 million contract."
- "Judge Randall Thomas dropped a dozen theft charges against Hunt . . ., ruling that the indictment came after a three-year state statute of limitations had run out. One ethics charge—punishable by up to $10,000 and 10 years behind bars—did beat the clock."
- "[T]he man who looked like an ageing rocker trying to beat the clock, was none other than Robert Lee Vesco."
- "From getting a good night's sleep to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, there are plenty of tricks you can employ to beat the clock."