The Village Idiom

run out the clock

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.

Sport, games & leisure · Filed under R

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.

Where it comes from and how it is used

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.

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.

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