race against time: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘race against time’ mean?
The idiom "race against time" means to hurry or work quickly to complete a task or reach a goal before a deadline or before it becomes too late.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "rush in" means to enter or engage in something hastily or without considering the consequences.
The idiom "run the clock down" means to intentionally use up time in order to delay an event or outcome.
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 "run late" means to be behind schedule or to not arrive or finish something on time.
The idiom "run down the clock" refers to a situation where a person intentionally takes actions to use up time, usually in order to avoid or delay a specific event or outcome.
The idiom "race out of the traps" means to start quickly or energetically, often used to describe someone's fast or enthusiastic beginning in a competition or endeavor.
The idiom "put the pedal to the metal" means to go as fast as possible, often while driving a car or working on a task. It implies a sense of urgency and the need for maximum effort or speed.
The idiom "pull ahead" means to move forward or make progress in a competition or race. It signifies gaining an advantage or surpassing others in the pursuit of a particular goal or objective.
The idiom "pressed for time" means to be in a hurry or have a shortage of time to complete a task or attend to something important.
The idiom "play the race card" refers to the act of using one's race as a means to gain advantage in a situation or to deflect criticism by accusing others of racism.
Time's Unyielding Foe
The idiom "race against time" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. Its origins are difficult to trace, but it has been in use for several centuries. The expression is often used to describe a situation where one is attempting to complete a task or accomplish a goal before a specific deadline.
One possible origin of the idiom can be traced back to sports and competitions, where participants would race against a clock or timer to achieve the fastest time possible. This literal race against time may have influenced the figurative use of the phrase.
The idiom "race against time" is also often associated with urgency and the need for efficiency. It implies that the individual or group is working with a sense of urgency and facing the constraint of time. This sense of urgency can be seen in various contexts, such as in the business world, where time-sensitive projects are common.
Additionally, the idiom can convey a sense of challenge and the need to overcome obstacles. It suggests that time is an opponent that must be overcome to achieve success. The phrase highlights the importance of time management and utilizing time efficiently to accomplish goals.
Furthermore, the idiom is often used in situations where there is a limited amount of time available to complete a task or make a decision. This scarcity creates a sense of pressure and increases the stakes involved.
One related idiom is "against the clock," which is used to describe a situation where one is working against time to complete a task or reach a goal. This can be seen in situations such as a student racing against the clock to finish an exam or an employee rushing to meet a deadline.
Another related idiom is "beat the clock," which means to finish or complete something before a deadline. This can be seen in various contexts, such as an athlete striving to finish a race before the clock runs out or a chef trying to prepare a meal before a set time.
Similarly, the idiom "pressed for time" is used to describe a situation where one is under pressure and has a limited amount of time to complete a task. This can be seen in situations such as a busy professional who is overwhelmed with work and has little time to spare.
A related idiom, "race out of the traps," is often used to describe starting or moving quickly. It originates from the sport of greyhound racing, where dogs race out of the starting traps at the beginning of a race. In a figurative sense, it can be used to describe someone who starts a task or project with great speed and enthusiasm.
Lastly, the phrase "the clock is ticking" is a commonly used expression that signifies the passing of time and the urgency to complete a task or make a decision. It conveys a sense of pressure and the need to act quickly before time runs out.
The idiom "race against time" has a long-standing history in the English language and is used to describe situations where individuals or groups are working with urgency and facing time constraints. It conveys a sense of challenge, pressure, and the need for efficiency. Its usage in various contexts highlights its significance and relevance in modern society as individuals navigate the complexities of time management and strive to accomplish their goals within the limitations of time.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *race against time* can be used in a sentence:
- 1. The rescue team had to race against time to find the missing hikers before nightfall.
- 2. The deadline is approaching, and I'm racing against time to finish this project.
- 3. The doctors are racing against time to find a cure for the rare disease.
An analysis of the idiom "race against time":
The idiom "race against time" is used to describe a situation where someone is in a hurry or working against a tight deadline. The word "race" implies a sense of urgency and intense competition, while "against time" suggests that there is a limited amount of time available. The idiom is often used to emphasize the pressure and importance of completing a task or achieving a goal quickly. It is commonly used in situations where there is a sense of urgency, such as rescue missions, deadline-driven projects, or critical medical situations.
More "Time" idioms
