beat the clock

Idioms  

1. Finish something or succeed before time is up, as in The paper went to press at five o'clock, and they hurried to beat the clock. The term comes from various sports or races in which contestants compete within a certain time limit.

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Example Sentences

“This premise that there was an intent to beat the clock is ridiculous,” Inglewood Mayor James Butts said at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

Many spent the flight thinking of new ways to beat the clock.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead of constantly trying to play beat the clock getting from point A to point B, Cindy Clegg’s suggestion is to plan on a 90-minute drive no matter what.

From Los Angeles Times

After trade talks with the Chicago White Sox over Garrett Crochet stalled, general manager Brandon Gomes was on the phone with the Detroit Tigers up until the deadline’s final moments, working a package that barely beat the clock before being finalized.

From Los Angeles Times

Dolores Rosedale, 95, a model known as Roxanne whose burst of fame in the 1950s as the hostess of the wacky game show “Beat the Clock” led to the creation of a doll in her image and to appearances on magazine covers, died May 2 in Spring Park, Minn.

From Seattle Times