run out the clock

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

run out the clock (third-person singular simple present runs out the clock, present participle running out the clock, simple past ran out the clock, past participle run out the clock)

1. (idiomatic, sports) To preserve a lead in a game by retaining possession, to waste time.

Synonyms

• run down the clock

Translations

preserve a lead in a game by retaining possession

• Catalan: retenir (ca), congelar (ca)
• French: jouer la montre (fr)

See also

• rag the puck