idioms are fixed phrases or expressions whose meanings can’t be understood just by interpreting the individual words. Their meanings are figurative and widely recognized within a particular culture or language. Every language has its own idioms. In horology, we have quite a few, and it’s fascinating how the word “clock” plays such a prominent role in our everyday language.

This is the most comprehensive list I have made so far, the 2026 edition, and I hope you enjoy some timely clock humor.

• Around the clock: Describes something that is in effect, continuing, or lasting 24 hours a day: “We worked around the clock to meet the deadline.” Also, Around-the-clock service: Continuous service is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week: “The hotel offers around-the-clock service for its guests.”
• Clean someone’s clock: To defeat someone decisively: “In the final match, our team cleaned their clock.”
• Beat the clock: To finish something before a deadline: “We had to beat the clock to complete the project on time.” Also, Race against the clock
• Against the clock: Working on a task that has a tight deadline: “The team is racing against the clock to finish the construction before the event.”
• Watch the clock: To be mindful of the time: “During the meeting, I had to watch the clock to ensure we stayed on schedule.” Also, He’s (she’s) a clock watcher
• Turn back the clock: To return to a previous time or state: “Sometimes, I wish I could turn back the clock and relive those carefree days.” Also, Wind back the clock
• Keep an eye on the clock: To regularly check the time: “I need to keep an eye on the clock so we don’t miss our train.”
• Winding the clock: Engaging in a time-consuming or repetitive task: “His job felt like winding the clock every day, doing the same thing over and over.”
• Kill time (on the clock): To pass time while waiting for something: “I often read to kill time during my lunch break on the clock.”
• Works like clockwork: To perform with precision and reliability: “Once the new system was in place, everything worked like a clock.”
• The clock is ticking: time is running out so act fast. also, The clock is running: Which indicates that time is passing, often with a sense of urgency: “We need to make a decision; the clock is running on this project.”
• Run out (or down) the clock: deliberately use as much time as possible to preserve one’s advantage: “Facinga tie, he decided to run out the clock in the final moments“
• On the clock: you’re working or being paid for your time and labour: “Oh, don’t bother him, he’s on the clock”. Also, Clock in/clock out:
• Your biological clock is ticking: time is running out to have a child so act now: “Lisa felt the pressure of her biological clock ticking as she approached her 30s, prompting her to seriously consider starting a family.”
• Punch the clock: be employed in a conventional job with set hours: “After a long day at work, I’m always ready to punch the clock and head home for some much-needed relaxation.”
• Stop the clock!: to remain young indefinitely or “As the final seconds ticked away in the championship game, the quarterback made a game-winning throw that seemed to stop the clock for a moment, sealing their victory.”
• As regular as clockwork (or, running like clockwork); a machine that runs perfectly and needs no adjustment. “Every morning, without fail, Jim’s neighbour would start his day as regular as clockwork, going for a jog at exactly 6 a.m.”
• Face that could stop a clock; A face that is strikingly or shockingly unattractive; or “Jane walked into the room with a look on her face that could stop a clock, causing everyone to pause and wonder what had happened.”
• Five o’clock shadow; a slight growth of beard on a man’s face; “After a busy day at the office, Tom returned home with a noticeable five o’clock shadow, a sign of the long hours he had put into his work.”
• Running like clockwork: Operating smoothly and efficiently, without any problems: “The event was running like clockwork, thanks to the meticulous planning.”
• Two o’clock courage: The bravery or confidence that comes late at night, especially after consuming alcohol: “He had a bit of two o’clock courage and finally asked her out.”
• When the clock strikes (a certain time): Referring to a specific time on the clock. For example, “We’ll meet at the cafe when the clock strikes noon.”
• Ticking clock: Refers to time running out or a sense of urgency.
  “With the deadline fast approaching, the ticking clock made everyone nervous.”
• Clock someone: To strike someone, especially with the fist. (informal). “He got angry and nearly clocked the fellow who insulted him.”
• Beat the clock by seconds: A common variation emphasizing how close the deadline was. “They beat the clock by just a few seconds.”
• Clock in/Clock out – Refers to recording the time someone starts or finishes work, usually with a timecard. “I forgot to clock out yesterday, so my hours were recorded wrong.”
• Behind the times: Old-fashioned or out of date. “His views on technology are a bit behind the times.”
• Turn the clock back: returning to the past. “Tonight we turn the clock back to a happier time”
• Ahead of its time: Something innovative or modern for its era. “That design was ahead of its time when it was introduced.”
• Time flies (Tempus Fugit): Time passes quickly. “Time flies when you’re enjoying good company.”
• Borrowed time. Living or continuing longer than expected. “That old engine has been running on borrowed time for years.”
• Take time out. To pause work or activity to rest or relax. “After finishing the project, they decided to take some time out.”
• Third time’s the charm. Success after two previous failures. “After two unsuccessful attempts, the third time’s the charm.”
• Have the time of your life. To enjoy oneself immensely. “They had the time of their lives at the celebration.”
• Time waits for no one: Time keeps moving regardless of circumstances. “Better start that project soon—time waits for no one.”

Related Articles

Idioms and expressions with the word clock in them, 2025 edition: Every language has its own idioms. In horology, we have quite a few, and it’s fascinating how the word “clock” plays such a prominent role in our everyday language.

Tempus Fujit Time Company: A little clock humour to brighten your day.