up against the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

"up against the clock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the need to rush or do something quickly. For example: "We have a tight deadline, so we need to work up against the clock to finish this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I can't feel rushed or like I'm up against the clock, trying to cram innings in," Wright said.

The New York Times - Sports

With the surge in SPAC offerings now a few years old, many of these firms are up against the clock.

The New York Times

When I know that I'm literally up against the clock, I tend to be far more productive.

The Guardian

And it is up against the clock too.

BBC

Fifa's strict end-of-year deadline for all stadiums to be ready is almost upon us, and in Manaus they are up against the clock - struggling with the hot, tropical weather and a complex design.

BBC

As the player count has ticked upward, the last few games have had pretty obvious moments of lag/buffering — a pretty stressful thing to see when you're up against the clock.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Big Miracle" gets off to a shaky start, but once revved up, it becomes an involving work-against-the-clock-and-the-odds action movie.

The New York Times

The film "gets off to a shaky start, but once revved up it becomes an involving work-against-the-clock-and-the-odds action movie," Rachel Saltz wrote in The New York Times in February.

The New York Times

All Fur Coat, at 40s, is a much bigger price despite also showing up well against the clock so far.

The Guardian - Sport

The show unfortunately lapses into trumped-up family tensions and equally trumped-up races against the clock, wearyingly familiar gimmicks for these types of series.

The New York Times - Arts

Each contestant has their dear old ma on the sidelines to offer advice while they cook up a dish against the clock.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "up against the clock" to convey a sense of urgency or pressure when completing a task or meeting a deadline.

Common error

Avoid using "up against the clock" in extremely formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language like "under a strict deadline" or "within a limited timeframe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up against the clock" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI says, it conveys a sense of urgency or being under time pressure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "up against the clock" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a sense of urgency and time pressure. As Ludwig AI explains, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and business. While it's generally considered neutral in register, it's best to avoid it in extremely formal or academic writing, where more precise language might be preferred. Its communicative purpose is to emphasize the limited time available for a task and the need for swift action. As evidenced by its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this expression is a valuable tool for writers looking to add a sense of immediacy to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

racing against time

Emphasizes the competition with time itself.

pressed for time

Focuses on the lack of available time.

under a time constraint

Highlights the limitation imposed by a specific timeframe.

short on time

A simpler way to express a lack of time.

against a deadline

Specific to situations with a set deadline.

in a hurry

Describes the state of being rushed.

time-sensitive

Highlights the importance of acting quickly.

working to a tight schedule

Indicates a demanding and inflexible timetable.

with limited time

Directly states the restriction on time.

experiencing a time crunch

Describes a situation where time is critically limited and action is required.

FAQs

How can I use "up against the clock" in a sentence?

You can use "up against the clock" to describe a situation where you're rushed and have limited time to complete a task. For example, "We're "racing against time" to finish the project before the deadline".

What does "up against the clock" mean?

The phrase "up against the clock" means that someone is "pressed for time" and must work quickly to achieve a goal before a deadline.

Are there any synonyms for "up against the clock"?

Yes, some synonyms for "up against the clock" include "short on time", "against a deadline", and "in a hurry". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "up against the clock"?

It is appropriate to use "up against the clock" in situations where time is a critical factor and there's a sense of urgency or pressure to complete something within a limited timeframe. It can be used in "time-sensitive" projects or tasks.