clock strikes midnight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'clock strikes midnight' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a metaphor for a deadline or a point in time when something important happens. For example, "The clock strikes midnight and suddenly the magic spell is broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

When the clock strikes midnight most children are fast asleep - but for the Midnight Gang the journey is just beginning.

BBC

This isn't New Year's Eve as the clock strikes midnight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But when the clock strikes midnight on June 30, negotiations between agents and teams can begin.

The New York Times

But hurry, when the clock strikes midnight, it will be too late.

The New York Times

When the clock strikes midnight, and our two years' negotiating time is up?" he said.

The Guardian - Business

Cinderella goes to the ball only to find out how illusory her liberty is when the clock strikes midnight.

The New Yorker

It's a solid definition, one that team executives could find useful when the clock strikes midnight on July 1.

The New York Times

They wait inside the store at the end of each month with full shopping carts until the clock strikes midnight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But knowing to eat before the clock strikes noon is different than knowing what to eat.

HuffPost

So next time you want to head to the deli when the clock strikes noon, don't feel guilty -- your work will actually be better for it.

HuffPost

As the clock strikes noon you may cognitively consider your available lunch options, make a decision, and then execute the plan.

ACS Chemical Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clock strikes midnight" to indicate a precise moment when a transition or significant change occurs, especially in narrative or metaphorical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "clock strikes midnight" in purely literal contexts where simply stating "midnight" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when conveying symbolic weight or a sense of drama.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clock strikes midnight" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, often modifying a verb to indicate when an action occurs. Ludwig examples show its prevalent use in setting a specific time, often with symbolic or narrative significance. It also functions to set a deadline or indicate when a transformation occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clock strikes midnight" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote a specific moment in time, often carrying symbolic weight. Ludwig provides numerous examples that highlight its usage across various contexts, from news reporting to literary narratives. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently employed to signify transitions, deadlines, or significant events. When writing, using "clock strikes midnight" can add a layer of drama or anticipation, making it a valuable tool for both descriptive and metaphorical expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stroke of midnight

Focuses on the action of striking rather than the continuous striking until midnight.

twelve midnight

Specifies the time directly, rather than using the striking metaphor.

the witching hour

Implies a sense of mystery or magic associated with midnight.

when the day ends

A more literal description of the transition to the next day.

the end of the day

Broadens the meaning to encompass the completion of a period.

the deadline

Refers specifically to the point when something must be completed.

the appointed time

Highlights a pre-arranged time for an event to happen.

zero hour

Emphasizes the start of a new operation or event.

curfew time

Emphasizes restrictions and time limits.

at the end of the line

Highlights reaching a final point or limit.

FAQs

How can I use "clock strikes midnight" in a sentence?

You can use "clock strikes midnight" to mark the end of something or the start of something new. For example, "As the "clock strikes midnight", the old year ends and the new year begins."

What is another way to say "clock strikes midnight"?

Alternatives to "clock strikes midnight" include "stroke of midnight", "twelve midnight", or "the witching hour", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "the clock turns midnight" instead of "the clock strikes midnight"?

While "the clock turns midnight" is understandable, ""clock strikes midnight"" is the more established and widely recognized idiom.

What does "clock strikes midnight" symbolize?

"Clock strikes midnight" often symbolizes a transition, a deadline, or a moment of significant change, particularly in stories and symbolic contexts. Think of Cinderella, where everything changed at the "clock strikes midnight".