watch the clock

watch the clock

To continually check the time because one desires something to end, typically because one is bored or is anxiously waiting to start a different activity. I was supposed to work on that spreadsheet, but I just watched the clock for the last two hours. Quit watching the clock and pay attention, Janine. We still have a lot of material to cover before class ends.
See also: clock, watch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

watch the clock

wait eagerly for the end of working hours.
It is from this expression that the word clock-watcher has developed, referring to someone who is determined not to work more than their allotted hours.
See also: clock, watch
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

watch the ˈclock

(disapproving) often check what time it is, because you are impatient for something to finish or to happen: Someone who spends all their time watching the clock is usually not a good worker. ▶ ˈclock-watching noun: Don’t spend the afternoon clock-watching. ˈclock-watcher noun
See also: clock, watch
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • give (one) ideas
  • give somebody ideas
  • (one) could use (something)
  • as one door closes, another (one) opens
  • as one door closes, another one opens
  • as one door closes, another opens
  • cooking for one
  • (one) could stand (something)
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force out of office
References in periodicals archive
Pupils now have to watch the clock to ensure they are on time for the next class.
School bell 'too noisy' says head; EDUCATION
Their watchword remains a guarded "maybe." Meanwhile, the Iranians watch the clock ticking away, and wonder what kind of games they can play with Barack Obama.a
Iran and Syria are just waiting the Bush administration out
Remember to watch the clock from time to time, so entrancing is it all.
Browser. (View)
"They didn't even have this waiting room until recently," Fernando says, as we watch the clock. "We used to wait outside, in the snow and the rain.
Detained or disappeared? before the 9/11 round-ups, INS detention had already grown into a system handling 150,000 immigrants a year. Tram Nguyen looks for the connections. (To the Point)
'It is just so hard, you just watch the clock go round and hope you'll hear something.'
Emotional plea by mother of missing schoolgirl Danielle
The spotter helps return the bar to the racks and then proceeds to watch the clock for 30 seconds, during which time the athlete prepares mentally and physically to complete the final 2 reps of the set.
The 30-second continuous set
"People with those skills don't really watch the clock," says Allison, who has hired several former entrepreneurs.
Wanted: entrepreneurial skills, employers seek candidates who have run their own businesses
Frustrated by these difficulties, Hall asked Kay whether they could join the firefly luciferase gene to per and simply watch the clock gene in action.
Lighting up biological clocks; genes from glowing organisms illuminate circadian rhythms
to the women who watch the clock and the road remembering is punches yet obeying court orders those whistles and bells that blow be good or else
Access weekend
I watch the clock, noting the time she finishes work to the time the key goes in the lock, then I can relax and sleep.
Your Life: Dear Miriam - My heir in a G-string; HEALTH ADVICE A PROBLEM SHARED
WATCH THE CLOCK: Giovanni Trapattoni is wasting no time; VENABLES: Remains favourite
Football: Monday is D-day; EL TEL POISED AS FAI FINISH TALKS
and don't forget to also watch the clock - it'll cost 5p a minute to log on.
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