every minute counts

Idioms  

1. Also, every moment counts. Time is of the essence. For example, Hurry up with those tools—every minute counts, or In performing surgery every moment counts. This idiom uses count in the sense of “to enter into the reckoning” (and hence be important).

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Example Sentences

Police are provided with personal information in advance, which saves valuable time when every minute counts.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2022

He said: "Every day and every minute counts."

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2020

In an emergency, you need someone there now and every minute counts.

From Washington Times • Jun. 16, 2020

And that’s a big deal, because even with next season still months away every minute counts.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2019

When a child is lost at the bottom of a quarry, every minute counts.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen