Beat the clock
The idiom “beat the clock” means to finish a task before a deadline or to accomplish something within a limited amount of time. This expression is often used in contexts where time is a crucial factor, and success depends on completing a task swiftly and efficiently. When someone is trying to beat the clock, they are racing against time to achieve their goal before time runs out. This idiom is commonly used in sports, games, work environments, and other situations where time constraints play a significant role.
For instance, in a cooking competition, chefs often strive to beat the clock by preparing their dishes within a set time limit. Similarly, in a business setting, employees may work extra efficiently to beat the clock and meet a project deadline.