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Region: General | Usage example: We beat the clock and filed the taxes on time.

Beat the clock

Meaning

Finish something before time runs out.

Usage

Common in timed contests or deadlines.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Sports or contests timed by a clock.

Proliferated in the 20th century with modern scheduling.

Related Idioms

Against the clock

Racing to finish before time runs out.

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

Beat a dead horse

Waste effort on something already decided.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.