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beat the clock. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
beat the clock, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
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English
Verb
beat the clock (third-person singular simple present beats the clock, present participle beating the clock, simple past beat the clock, past participle beaten the clock)
- (idiomatic) To perform a task or successfully complete an activity within a time limit.
2010 November 26, Ron Lieber, “A Dying Banker’s Last Instructions”, in New York Times, retrieved 25 August 2014:He and Mr. Goldie have managed to beat the clock, finishing and printing the book themselves while Mr. Murray is still alive.
2012 September 16, Mike Brehm, “Milan Lucic, Evander Kane lead under-the-wire signings”, in USA Today, retrieved 25 August 2014:Evander Kane just beat the clock in the final hour before the NHL lockout, agreeing to terms with the Winnipeg Jets on a six-year, $31.5 million contract.
- (idiomatic) To be used or become operational before a deadline or date of expiration.
1994 April 5, “A Break for Hunt”, in Time, retrieved 25 August 2014:Judge Randall Thomas dropped a dozen theft charges against Hunt . . ., ruling that the indictment came after a three-year state statute of limitations had run out. One ethics charge—punishable by up to $10,000 and 10 years behind bars—did beat the clock.
- (idiomatic) To remain youthful; to live a long, healthy life.
1995 July 16, Phil Davison, “A Very Big Fish Indeed”, in The Independent, UK, retrieved 25 August 2014:[T]he man who looked like an ageing rocker trying to beat the clock, was none other than Robert Lee Vesco.
2013 September 15, “Anti-age your health”, in Guardian, UK, retrieved 25 August 2014:From getting a good night's sleep to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, there are plenty of tricks you can employ to beat the clock.
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