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around the clockcontinuously for 24 hours; all day and all night without stopping

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: continuously for 24 hours; all day and all night without stopping

Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈraʊnd ðə klɑːk/

Example Sentences

  • My neighbor's baby cries around the clock - I'm considering moving to Antarctica.
  • The medical team worked around the clock to save the patient's life.
  • Netflix apparently thinks I watch TV around the clock based on its recommendations.

around the clock

ADVERB

[/əˈraʊnd ðə klɑːk/]

continuously for 24 hours; all day and all night without stopping

The hospital emergency team works around the clock to save lives.
💡 Concept

The hospital emergency team works around the clock to save lives.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/əˈraʊnd ðə klɑːk/
🇬🇧 UK/əˈraʊnd ðə klɒk/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This idiomatic expression emerged in the early 20th century, derived from the literal image of moving around a clock face. The phrase draws its meaning from the complete rotation around a clock's dial, which represents a full 24-hour cycle.

Breakdown

around (surrounding) + the (definite article) + clock (timepiece). The phrase metaphorically describes completing a full circuit around a clock face, symbolizing the completion of an entire day and night cycle.

🎵Rhyme

shockrockblock
shock
rock
block

🔗Collocations

work around the clock
around-the-clock service
around-the-clock care
monitor around the clock
around-the-clock security
operate around the clock

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My neighbor's baby cries around the clock - I'm considering moving to Antarctica.

The medical team worked around the clock to save the patient's life.

😄 Fun example

Netflix apparently thinks I watch TV around the clock based on its recommendations.

The factory operates around the clock to meet the holiday demand.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

24/7continuouslynon-stopconstantlyround-the-clock

Antonyms

occasionallyintermittentlypart-time

Related

full-timecontinuousperpetualongoinguninterrupted

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