against the clock
Racing to finish something before a deadline runs out.
Example: The rescue team worked against the clock to find survivors.
B216 words · Upper-intermediate
Time & Frequency vocabulary — B2
Time and frequency idioms for talking about deadlines and timing under pressure, with phrases like the eleventh hour, on borrowed time and behind the times.
16 questions
Words in this set
16beat the clock
To finish a task successfully before a time limit runs out.
Example:
The chef beat the clock and served the final dish right on cue.
in the blink of an eye
Extremely quickly, almost instantly.
Example:
The whole building disappeared in the blink of an eye.
back in the day
Referring to an earlier period in the past, often with a hint of nostalgia.
Example:
Back in the day, we didn't even have mobile phones.
the eleventh hour
The very last possible moment before a deadline or event.
Example:
A deal was reached at the eleventh hour, avoiding the strike.
time is money
A well-known saying meaning that wasting hours costs you just as much as wasting cash.
Example:
Hurry up — time is money in this business.
in due course
At the appropriate time in the future, without needing to rush.
Example:
Your results will be sent to you in due course.
ahead of your time
Having ideas or methods that are more advanced than typical for the period you live in.
Example:
Her design was ahead of its time by decades.
behind the times
Not aware of or using modern ideas and methods, old-fashioned.
Example:
This office is a bit behind the times with all this paperwork.
on borrowed time
Continuing to exist or work longer than expected, likely to end or fail soon.
Example:
That old car is running on borrowed time.
strike while the iron is hot
To act while conditions are still favourable.
Example:
Orders are up, so strike while the iron is hot and hire now.
bide your time
To wait patiently for the right moment.
Example:
She chose to bide your time until the contract came up.
call time on something
To decide that something has come to an end.
Example:
The board finally decided to call time on something in June.
the small hours
The hours just after midnight.
Example:
The argument ran into the small hours and settled nothing.
someone's days are numbered
Something or someone will not last much longer.
Example:
Everyone could see that someone's days are numbered at the club.
third time lucky
Said when a third attempt finally succeeds.
Example:
The engine started on the third pull, so third time lucky.
