Run Down the Clock

What Does "Run Down the Clock" Mean?

"Run down the clock" is an English idiom. It means "to use up time deliberately, often to delay or avoid taking action; to engage in a strategy of wasting time or waiting for a particular event or circumstance to change."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "run down the clock" used in a sentence:

• The team decided to run down the clock by passing the ball among themselves to protect their lead in the final minutes of the game.
• In negotiations, one party may attempt to run down the clock to gain an advantage or force concessions from the other side.
• She hoped that by running down the clock, she could delay the inevitable decision and buy more time to prepare.

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Run Down the Clock" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

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