Language: en
Meaning: (idiomatic)Toperforma task or successfullycompletean activity within atime limit.2010November 26,Ron Lieber, “A Dying Banker’s Last Instructions”, inNew York Times, retrieved25 August 2014:He and Mr. Goldie have managed tobeat the clock, finishing and printing the book themselves while Mr. Murray is still alive.2012September 16, Mike Brehm, “Milan Lucic, Evander Kane lead under-the-wire signings”, inUSA Today, retrieved25 August 2014:Evander Kane justbeat the clockin the final hour before the NHL lockout, agreeing to terms with the Winnipeg Jets on a six-year, $31.5 million contract.; (idiomatic)To be used or become operational before adeadlineor date ofexpiration.1994April 5, “A Break for Hunt”, inTime, retrieved25 August 2014:Judge Randall Thomas dropped a dozen theft charges against Hunt . . ., ruling that the indictment came after a three-year state statute of limitations had run out. One ethics charge—punishable by up to $10,000 and 10 years behind bars—didbeat the clock.; (idiomatic)To remainyouthful; to live a long, healthy life.1995July 16, Phil Davison, “A Very Big Fish Indeed”, inThe Independent, UK, retrieved25 August 2014:[T]he man who looked like an ageing rocker trying tobeat the clock, was none other than Robert Lee Vesco.2013September 15, “Anti-age your health”, inGuardian, UK, retrieved25 August 2014:From getting a good night's sleep to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, there are plenty of tricks you can employ tobeat the clock.
Validation Count: 0
Sourced from Wiktionary