beat the clock

present singular third person beats the clock · participle present beating the clock · participle past beaten the clock

1. idiomaticTo perform a task or successfully complete an activity within a time limit.

   He and Mr. Goldie have managed to beat the clock, finishing and printing the book themselves while Mr. Murray is still alive.

   2010 November 26, Ron Lieber, “A Dying Banker’s Last Instructions”, in New York Times, retrieved 25 Aug 2014

   1 more example

   Evander Kane just beat the clock in the final hour before the NHL lockout, agreeing to terms with the Winnipeg Jets on a six-year, $31.5 million contract.

   2012 September 16, Mike Brehm, “Milan Lucic, Evander Kane lead under-the-wire signings”, in USA Today, retrieved 25 Aug 2014

2. idiomaticTo be used or become operational before a deadline or date of expiration.

   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—did beat the clock.

   1994 April 5, “A Break for Hunt”, in Time, retrieved 25 Aug 2014

3. idiomaticTo remain youthful; to live a long, healthy life.

   [T]he man who looked like an ageing rocker trying to beat the clock, was none other than Robert Lee Vesco.

   1995 July 16, Phil Davison, “A Very Big Fish Indeed”, in The Independent, UK, retrieved 25 Aug 2014

   1 more example

   From getting a good night's sleep to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, there are plenty of tricks you can employ to beat the clock.

   2013 September 15, “Anti-age your health”, in Guardian, UK, retrieved 25 Aug 2014