on the clock

Working during hours for which you are being paid.

• I am on the clock.
• She cannot chat while she is on the clock.
• Were you on the clock when the accident happened?

Similar words: on duty, at work

Opposites: off duty

Common phrases: be on the clock, still on the clock, while on the clock

Shown as the distance a vehicle has travelled on its distance counter.

• The car has fifty thousand miles on the clock.
• How many kilometres does this van have on the clock?
• It ran well despite having high mileage on the clock.

Similar words: on the odometer

Common phrases: miles on the clock, kilometres on the clock

Having limited time to make a decision or achieve a result while others judge your performance.

• The team is on the clock.
• With only two minutes left, we were on the clock.
• The manager is on the clock to deliver better results.

Similar words: under time pressure

Common phrases: be on the clock, now on the clock

Paid according to the amount of time you work, rather than the number of jobs you finish.

• These workers are on the clock.
• She is on the clock, so extra hours mean extra pay.
• Are the painters on the clock or paid per job?

Similar words: paid by the hour

Common phrases: be on the clock, workers on the clock

With a taxi’s meter running, or shown as a fare on that meter.

• The taxi is on the clock.
• There was already ten pounds on the clock when we arrived.
• Waiting in traffic added another pound on the clock.

Similar words: on the meter

Common phrases: fare on the clock, cab on the clock