Ever noticed how some days feel endless, with tasks stretching late into the night and starting again before sunrise? That nonstop rhythm perfectly fits the idiom work around the clock, and in this post, I’ll break down its meaning, trace its origin, and share practical examples you can use right away.
Meaning of “Work Around the Clock”
The idiom work around the clock means to work continuously, without stopping, often day and night. It highlights effort, urgency, and dedication rather than literal clock-watching.
Common meanings include:
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Working 24 hours a day or nearly nonstop
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Putting in extreme effort to meet a deadline or goal
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Maintaining continuous operations, such as in hospitals or emergency services
One-sentence summary:
To work around the clock means to work nonstop, usually with great effort and urgency.
Origin of “Work Around the Clock”
The expression work around the clock emerged in the early 20th century, closely tied to industrial growth and the rise of shift work. As factories, railroads, and later hospitals began operating 24 hours a day, time became organized around the full rotation of the clock rather than daylight alone.
Mechanical clocks, which visually show time looping endlessly, reinforced the idea of continuous motion. Over time, the phrase moved beyond literal shift schedules and became a figurative way to describe intense effort in any field, from business projects to creative pursuits.
While no single author or moment can claim the phrase, its roots clearly reflect modern life’s push for productivity and constant availability.
Examples in Sentences
Here are examples showing how work around the clock fits both formal and casual settings:
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The medical team continued to work around the clock to stabilize the patient.
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Engineers worked around the clock to restore power after the storm.
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She worked around the clock to finish the proposal before the deadline.
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The startup team had to work around the clock during its launch week.
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Volunteers worked around the clock to prepare relief supplies.
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He joked that finals week meant working around the clock fueled by coffee.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
Several idioms carry meanings close to work around the clock:
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Burn the midnight oil – Staying up late to work or study.
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Pull an all-nighter – Working through the entire night without sleep.
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Day and night – Doing something continuously without pause.
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Nonstop – Ongoing work with no breaks, often informal.
Each phrase emphasizes dedication, though work around the clock suggests the longest and most sustained effort.
I often use work around the clock when describing high-pressure deadlines, especially writing projects that demand full focus. The idiom feels honest because it captures both the effort and the exhaustion that come with intense commitment.
To sum it up, work around the clock describes nonstop effort fueled by urgency, responsibility, or passion. From its industrial roots to everyday conversations, the idiom remains a powerful way to express dedication. Try using work around the clock in your own writing when you want to highlight serious effort—and share this post with someone who never seems to rest.