clock watcher

American  

noun

1. an employee who demonstrates lack of interest in a job by watching the time closely to be sure to stop work as soon as the workday or shift is over.

2. any person who watches the time closely, as in expectation of some news or event.

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clock-watcher British  

noun

1. an employee who checks the time in anticipation of a break or of the end of the working day

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Other Word Forms

• clock watching noun

Etymology

Origin of clock watcher

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The compulsive clock watcher, on the other hand, has the same desire to rebel; unlike the latecomer, he suppresses it and submits to authority.

From Time Magazine Archive

In a period of nominal inflation, for example, a firm could afford to reward its superstars with raises of 12% or so because the average clock watcher would need to be given only, say, 2%.

From Time Magazine Archive

Maybe the simplest description of Navratilova's command now is that she can turn the No. 3 player in the world into a clock watcher.

From Time Magazine Archive