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Run Out the Clock

What Does "Run Out the Clock" Mean?

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"Run out the clock" is an English idiom. It means "to engage in a strategy or tactic that involves delaying or wasting time until a specific event or deadline is reached, often to one's advantage."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "run out the clock" used in a sentence:
  • In the final minutes of the game, the winning team decided to run out the clock by passing the ball and avoiding risky plays.
  • During negotiations, one party may attempt to run out the clock, hoping to secure better terms as the deadline approaches.
  • The employees realized that the manager's decision to run out the clock on the project was counterproductive, as it led to missed opportunities.
meaning for run out the clock

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 Out 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.

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