stop the clock

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]

Example Sentences

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

The report points to a 2022 study of 508 universities, which found that tenure stop the clock policies that are only available to women or that faculty members have to opt into increase the representation of tenured white women but not women of color.

From Science Magazine

By posting the bond, Trump aimed to stop the clock on enforcement of the judgment during his appeal.

From Seattle Times

A New York appellate court had given the former president 10 days to put up the money after a panel of judges agreed last month to slash the amount needed to stop the clock on enforcement.

From Seattle Times

However, critics accused him of seeking to extend his term in office or stop the clock to better prepare his candidate - which he denies.

From BBC