clock strikes twelve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clock strikes twelve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to signify a critical moment or a turning point, often associated with a deadline or an important event. Example: "As the clock strikes twelve, we must make a decision that will change the course of our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

[The clock strikes twelve.] O, it strikes, it strikes!

The Guardian - Books

All for you to print out and stick on your statute books until the clock strikes twelve on graduation day.

The Guardian

Even if BankBoston does its best to be ready, no one can be sure what will happen when the clock strikes twelve.

The Economist

You can tweak, freeze or cancel your agreement anytime until the clock strikes twelve on Sunday night, the week before your new pact begins.

The New York Times

Even in Manhattan, where the second latest to bed in the United States live, people go to sleep before the clock strikes twelve (at approximately 11 55 p.m.).

The Washington Post

However, when the clock strikes twelve, it will be beneficial to Spain and Europe for Catalonia to remain within the Union, and in accordance with some very important principles in the Treaty on EU.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

When the clock strikes zero, it's time to throw out the clock.

The Washington Post

"I notice people quickening their pace when the clock strikes nine," he says.

The New Yorker

When a clock strikes three or four times, one knows without counting that it is three or four o'clock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the clock strikes four, a flare goes up, and the howitzers unleash fiery death on the helpless Danes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When the clock strikes five, thousands of black women still pour from the factories here and line up at bus stands for the ride back to their townships.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clock strikes twelve" to create a sense of urgency or finality in your writing. It's particularly effective when alluding to a turning point or a moment where significant changes occur.

Common error

Avoid using "clock strikes twelve" solely to describe the time. The phrase is most effective when employed metaphorically to signal a crucial or decisive moment. If you just want to say that is midnight, be direct and accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clock strikes twelve" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression, often acting as an adverbial phrase of time. It modifies the verb in a sentence, indicating when something occurs, usually at a critical or decisive moment. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

11%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clock strikes twelve" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that signifies a critical moment, deadline, or significant turning point. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While versatile, it’s most effective when used metaphorically to convey urgency or finality, rather than just stating the time. Related phrases like ""midnight approaches"" or ""deadline looms"" can serve as alternatives, depending on the desired nuance. The phrase maintains a generally neutral to informal register, making it suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stroke of midnight

Refers specifically to the sound and occurrence of midnight.

moment of truth is here

Emphasizes the revelation or outcome that will occur.

midnight approaches

Focuses on the impending arrival of midnight, a specific time.

time is running out

Stresses the scarcity of remaining time.

deadline looms

Highlights the pressure of an approaching deadline.

eleventh hour

Indicates a last-minute opportunity or action.

the witching hour nears

Emphasizes the mystical or ominous feeling associated with midnight.

zero hour approaches

Indicates the commencement of an operation or event.

turning point arrives

Highlights the moment of significant change or decision.

critical juncture

Focuses on the importance and decisiveness of the moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "clock strikes twelve" to symbolize a deadline or a significant turning point. For example, "As the clock strikes twelve, the agreement becomes invalid."

What does "clock strikes twelve" mean?

The phrase "clock strikes twelve" typically symbolizes a critical moment, a deadline, or a significant event that marks a change or turning point. Think of Cinderella and her carriage turning back at midnight.

Are there any alternatives to "clock strikes twelve"?

Yes, alternatives include "midnight approaches", "deadline looms", or "time is running out", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "clock strikes twelve" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable, although consider your audience and purpose. In some formal contexts, a more direct phrase may be preferable, but "clock strikes twelve" can add a touch of drama or symbolism if appropriate.