under the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the clock" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a specific location or position relative to a clock, or a specific time. Here is an example: "The meeting will take place at 3 pm under the clock in the main lobby." This sentence indicates that the meeting will occur at a specific time (3 pm) and location (under the clock in the main lobby).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Josh slips me a tie pin under the clock in Grand Central Terminal.

The Guardian - Travel

Visit to a current popular meeting place of teenagers - under the clock at the Biltmore.

The New Yorker

"Meet me under the clock," I told him, a plaintive lover's refrain through the generations.

The New York Times

A play called Under the Clock was staged in 1893, only five years after A Study in Scarlet.

Independent

Pass through the green gates and under the clock archway on the left. 2 Walk down to the signpost, turn right and follow the signs to the gardens.

The Guardian - Travel

"I was under the clock at Waterloo and a guy came over to me and said, 'Are you Clare?' and I said, 'No', and then he walked away.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It was never the famous "meet-me-under-the-clock" clock at the old Biltmore Hotel.

The New York Times

Apparently so – but with social media in meltdown at the prospect of Peter Dutton's black-garbed men accosting strangers and demanding their papers, the under-the-clocks press conference quickly descended into predictable chaos.

The Guardian - Opinion

placed his working life under round-the-clock self-surveillance.

The New Yorker

As such, he is also under round-the-clock guard.

The New York Times

Coming to TV this summer: real people who live under round-the-clock surveillance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the clock" to specify a meeting point, ensure the clock is a well-known landmark to avoid confusion. This phrase is effective when the clock's location is easily identifiable and serves as a common reference point.

Common error

Avoid using "under the clock" when you actually mean "pressured by time". The phrase literally refers to a location, not the stress of deadlines. Use alternatives like "against the clock" or "up against a deadline" to convey time pressure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the clock" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, noun, or clause by specifying a location relative to a clock. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a specific place, often for meetings or rendezvous.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the clock" functions as a prepositional phrase specifying a location relative to a clock, typically used for indicating meeting points. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s a correct and usable phrase in written English. Common in contexts like news and media, it offers a neutral register suitable for various forms of writing. While its primary function is spatial, it can sometimes hint at time pressure, though alternatives should be considered for such figurative meanings. Ludwig’s examples show consistent usage, marking it as a reliable and clear way to denote a specific location.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meeting at the clock tower

This specifies a meeting location with a prominent clock tower as a landmark, adding more detail than the original.

in front of the timepiece

Refers to being positioned at a place where a decorative or important clock is.

by the clock

Refers to actions governed or dictated by a specific time or schedule. The semantic difference is subtle but important: describes processes rather than places.

before the deadline

Specifies that something needs to be done prior to the time indicated in the clock.

awaiting beneath the dial

Replaces the words, mantaining the meaning of waiting where a clock indicates.

subject to the deadline

This alternative relates to being pressured by a time limit, losing the location reference.

meeting at appointed time

Alternative that replaces the expression of 'clock' for another one that serves the same purpose: indicate a time

at the designated time

Focuses on the schedule rather than the specific point beneath a clock.

watching the clock

This suggests monitoring the time, often with anticipation, which differs from a simple location under a clock.

scheduled event

Implies something that has been scheduled, and where it is implicit the time indicated in a clock.

FAQs

How can I use "under the clock" in a sentence?

You can use "under the clock" to specify a meeting location, as in "Let's meet "under the clock" at Grand Central Terminal." It denotes a precise spot for rendezvous.

What can I say instead of "under the clock"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "at the clock tower", "in front of the timepiece", or "at the designated meeting point" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "meet me under the clocks"?

While grammatically correct if referring to multiple clocks, it's more common to specify a single, prominent clock. "Meet me "under the clock"" is generally clearer unless multiple clocks are part of the specific location.

What does "working under the clock" mean?

It is not a standard phrase. It is possible that "working "under the clock"" could imply working in a place near a clock, but better alternatives should be used to improve clarity.