around the clock — continuously 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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“The factory operates around the clock to meet the holiday demand.”
📚Related Words
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