against the clock

1. Also, against time. In a great hurry, as fast as possible, as in With her term paper due on Monday, she was racing against the clock to finish it, or They were working against time to stay on schedule. The term comes from various sports in which the contestants do not directly compete against each other but instead are timed individually, the winner being the one who is fastest. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

Example Sentences

So now it's a race against the clock with no tickets yet on sale or venue confirmed.

From BBC

Hours later, Madison is missing, and a guilt-ridden Emmy, led by her father, joins other deputies racing against the clock to unravel the whereabouts of Madison and Cheyenne — with tragic results.

From Los Angeles Times

Attorneys and clients are racing against the clock to submit opposition to these motions.

From Los Angeles Times

In other words, Robert Roberson is now in a race against the clock.

From Salon

Now prosecutors are working against the clock as Brückner is scheduled to walk free in September 2025.

From BBC