clock hits midnight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clock hits midnight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the exact moment when midnight occurs, often in a metaphorical or literal sense related to deadlines or significant changes. Example: "As the clock hits midnight, the new year will officially begin, and we can celebrate our fresh start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Will smokers obediently stub out their butts when the clock hits midnight, or defiantly puff away into the wee hours?

The New York Times

Giving up booze for a month will get you into a better physical and mental state but the real question is what good it'll do, if you're only going to get back on it as soon as the clock hits midnight on January 31st.

Vice

Giving up booze for a month will get you into a better physical and mental state but the real question is what good it'll do, if you're only going to get back on it as soon as the clock hits midnight on January 31st.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One by one, Republican lawmakers delayed the vote by explaining their opposition and asking questions until the clock hit midnight.

The Washington Post

The rain-soaked sellout crowd at Camden Yards had waited long enough for this moment — Baltimore's first American League Championship Series game in 17 years — so when Game 1 went to extra innings, few seats were vacated as the clock hit midnight.

Los Angeles Times

As clocks hit midnight, Champagne and skyrockets were the only explosions of interest, since telephones, ATMs, cars, computers and airplanes worked just fine.

The New York Times

We're on the cusp of a new year and the first celebrations are set to break out in the Pacific on Christmas Island and Samoa, where clocks hit midnight in less than 15 minutes.

The Guardian

Once the clock hits five, forget about work until tomorrow morning.

Huffington Post

While the blackout (or grayout?) began at midnight on the East Coast, there have been reports that the site is still visible (even without any escape key derring-do) in time zones where browser clocks have not yet hit midnight.

The New York Times

When the clock hits 11 11 I always wish for the same thing, Ever since the night that we kissed.

Huffington Post

The clock hits 5pm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "clock hits midnight" to mark a specific deadline, such as the end of a promotional period or the start of a new regulation. This adds a sense of urgency or finality.

Common error

Avoid using "clock hits midnight" in contexts where a different specific time is meant. The phrase inherently implies the end of one day and the start of another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clock hits midnight" functions as a temporal marker, specifically indicating the end of one day and the start of the next. It's used to denote a specific point in time, often associated with deadlines or significant transitions, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clock hits midnight" is a temporal marker indicating the transition from one day to the next. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media. While not overly formal, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts where emphasizing a deadline or new beginning is desired. Alternatives include "when the clock strikes twelve" or "as midnight arrives". Usage guidance suggests leveraging this phrase to add finality, while avoiding misinterpretations by always aligning its use with the specific moment of midnight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the clock strikes twelve

Emphasizes the striking sound and traditional association with midnight.

at the stroke of midnight

Uses a more formal and literary tone, emphasizing the precision of the moment.

as midnight arrives

Focuses on the arrival of midnight, a more straightforward expression.

when twelve o'clock arrives

A more descriptive alternative.

when the day ends

Highlights the completion of a day, a broader timeframe leading to midnight.

as the new day begins

Shifts focus to the start of the next day, emphasizing new beginnings.

as one day transitions to the next

Emphasizes the transition between days, a more descriptive expression.

when the witching hour commences

Refers to the time associated with supernatural events.

when the curfew begins

Implies a boundary regulated by imposed restrictions.

when the deadline passes

This refers to the ending moment of any deadline.

FAQs

What does the phrase "clock hits midnight" signify?

The phrase "clock hits midnight" signifies the exact moment when one day ends and another begins, often used metaphorically to denote a deadline, significant change, or new beginning.

How can I use the phrase "clock hits midnight" in a sentence?

You can use "clock hits midnight" to indicate the end of a period or the start of something new, such as, "As the "clock hits midnight", the new regulations will take effect."

Are there alternative ways to say "clock hits midnight"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "when the clock strikes twelve" or "as midnight arrives" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between "clock hits midnight" and "when the day ends"?

"Clock hits midnight" refers to the precise moment of transition to a new day, whereas "when the day ends" is a broader expression that refers to the end of the day without specifying the exact time.