What is On The Clock?
1.
"On the clock" refers to when one is getting paid by the hour and any setbacks are viewed in a positive light, because the longer the job takes the more you get paid.
Ryan: "dammit, we've hit every single red light on the way!"
Kevin: "don't worry about it chief, we're on the clock!"
Ryan: "nuff said."
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2.
To be subjected to scrutiny. Loosely coined by viewers, fans, and media associated with the NFL Draft, wherein each pro team has 15 minutes per round during the draft to decide, among many aspiring athletes, who to draft as a player. The NFL Draft draws such media coverage for analysis that each draft selection becomes instantaneous fodder for sports journalism scrutiny.
Aaron's graduation depends on how his grades are for this last semester. He finds out in 12 days, so he is on the clock.
The company's inability to make a decent profit during the last quarter has put them on the clock for this next month; a loss will likely result in heavy firings.
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