milk the clock: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘milk the clock’ mean?
The idiom "milk the clock" means to intentionally work slowly or waste time in order to make a task last longer and get paid for it, usually at a job or during working hours.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stall for time" means to intentionally delay or prolong something in order to gain additional time, usually to think or plan a response.
The idiom "run out the clock" means to intentionally waste time or delay the completion of a task or event, often to secure a favorable outcome or simply to avoid unwanted consequences.
The idiom "on the clock" means being paid for the time spent working. It implies that a person is actively engaged in their job responsibilities and under the time constraint of their employer.
The idiom "muddle along" means to continue doing something, usually without a clear plan or direction, and to make progress slowly or with difficulty.
The idiom "monkey around" means to play or fool around in a careless or mischievous manner, often wasting time or causing trouble.
The idiom "matter of time" means that something is certain to happen eventually, although it may not happen immediately or in the present moment.
The idiom "make the most of" means to use or take advantage of something in the best possible way, typically in order to maximize its benefits or potential.
The idiom "make the best of" means to accept a difficult or unfavorable situation and try to make it as positive or beneficial as possible.
Clock Milking Origins
The idiom "run out the clock" is closely related to the phrase "milk the clock." While "milk the clock" refers to intentionally prolonging or wasting time, "run out the clock" carries the meaning of using up all available time without completing any significant action. This idiom is often used in situations where there is a time limit or deadline, and the goal is simply to wait until the time runs out without taking any decisive action. It can be seen as a passive approach to time management, where the focus is on avoiding any unnecessary risks or actions that could potentially lead to negative consequences.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "milk the clock" can be used in a sentence include:
- He is known for milking the clock at work, taking long breaks and stretching out tasks to fill up his workday.
- The employee was accused of milking the clock by arriving late and leaving early, but never actually getting much work done.
- She was reprimanded by her boss for milking the clock and spending excessive time on personal phone calls during working hours.
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