run out the clock: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘run out the clock’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "run the clock down" means to intentionally use up time in order to delay an event or outcome.
The idiom "run someone off their feet" means to keep someone extremely busy or overwhelmed with work or tasks.
The idiom "run past" means to quickly mention or discuss something without going into detail or providing much information.
The idiom "run over" means to hit or knock down someone or something with a vehicle. It can also refer to reviewing or reiterating something quickly, and it is often used to describe time that exceeds the original plan.
The idiom "run out of town" means forcibly expelling or driving someone away from a place due to dislike or disapproval.
The idiom "run out" means to exhaust the supply of something or to reach the end of a limited resource. It implies that there is no more of that specific thing available.
The idiom "run on empty" means to continue doing something despite having no energy, resources, or motivation left.
The idiom "run off with" means to leave quickly and unexpectedly with someone or something, often in a secretive or unauthorized manner. It implies a sense of impulsiveness and abandonment, suggesting a departure without prior notice or agreement.
The idiom "run off" means to leave quickly or flee.
FAIL
The phrase "run out the clock" is an idiom commonly used in US English, particularly in sports and political contexts. It consists of the verb "run," meaning to move swiftly or continuously, the preposition "out," indicating completion or exhaustion, and the noun "clock," representing a timekeeping device.
One fact about the idiom "run out the clock" is that its origin can be traced back to American football. In this sport, the game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. Towards the end of the game, when a team is winning and wants to secure their victory, they may opt to run out the clock. This means that instead of taking risks or attempting to score more points, they focus on maintaining possession of the ball and using up as much time as possible, ultimately preventing the opposing team from having a chance to make a comeback.
An interesting aspect of the idiom is that it has also been adopted in the realm of politics. In this context, "running out the clock" refers to delaying or prolonging a decision or action until a particular deadline or time limit has passed. This tactic is often employed when politicians want to avoid making a controversial or difficult choice and would rather allow time to run out, thus avoiding the consequences or backlash.
Furthermore, the idiom can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the concept of time itself. When one "runs out the clock," they are essentially manipulating time to their advantage, whether it be to secure a victory or evade a decision. This aspect emphasizes the significance of time and its role in shaping outcomes.
As idioms are deeply embedded in language and culture, there exist various interpretations and uses of "run out the clock" beyond the specific examples mentioned. It is important to consider the contextual meaning and implications when encountering this idiom in different situations.
The idiom "run out the clock" reflects the human fascination with time and our desire to exert control over it. It encapsulates the strategic maneuvers employed in both sports and politics, highlighting the importance of timing and the consequences that can arise from manipulating time. While its exact origins may be rooted in American football, the idiom has evolved and expanded, finding relevance in broader aspects of life. The phrase captures a sense of urgency, uncertainty, and the need to make strategic decisions within finite periods. It serves as a reminder that time, like a ticking clock, steadily progresses, presenting opportunities, challenges, and limitations. While this analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the idiom, it also invites further exploration into the depths and intricacies of the relationship between time and human endeavors.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "run out the clock" can be used in a sentence:
- During the basketball game, our team was leading by a large margin, so we decided to run out the clock by passing the ball between teammates and avoiding risky shots.
- As the debate came to a close, the politician started to ramble on irrelevant topics in an attempt to run out the clock and prevent any valuable discussion.
- The soccer team that was winning in the final minutes of the game utilized their excellent ball control skills to run out the clock and secure their victory.
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