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

See Examples For:

every minute counts

But every minute counts for those in mourning, said Randy Schwab, the general manager of Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

Vernon Square and Gallery Place-Chinatown stations, said every minute counts when he must be on-time for shifts.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 9, 2022

"If that is to be the case, every minute counts to get as many people out in the meantime."

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2021

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

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2020

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

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen