stop the clock

Idioms  

1. Postpone a deadline by not counting the elapsing hours. For example, Management agreed to stop the clock so that a new contract could be negotiated before the present one expired. [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

After hitting a free throw, he quickly committed a take foul to stop the clock so he could leave the blowout.

From Los Angeles Times

Anthony: When infringements or injuries occur, stop the clock as they do in rugby.

From BBC

So just stop the clock, get rid of the unknown at the end of the game.

From BBC

On the Giants next drive, with the Broncos already calling timeouts to stop the clock, Dart made a critical mistake.

From The Wall Street Journal

And on the play after the 2-minute warning, with the Chargers unable to stop the clock, Mahomes converted a third-and-seven with a nine-yard pass to All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce.

From Los Angeles Times