around the clock
All day and all night without stopping
Literalmente: In a circle following the clock face
Use it to describe non-stop activity that lasts through the entire day and night.
Em 15 segundos
- Means 24 hours a day without any breaks.
- Used to emphasize hard work or constant availability.
- Often used for emergency services, businesses, or intense study.
Significado
When something happens 'around the clock,' it means it's happening for 24 hours straight without a single break. It’s like the hands of a clock just keep spinning and never stop for a rest.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Describing a busy work week
We've been working around the clock to finish this project by Friday.
We've been working all day and night to finish this project by Friday.
Talking about a local diner
I love that place because they serve breakfast around the clock.
I love that place because they serve breakfast 24 hours a day.
Complaining about a newborn baby
Since the baby arrived, we've been up around the clock.
Since the baby arrived, we haven't slept at all.
Contexto cultural
The phrase gained massive global recognition through the 1954 rock and roll anthem 'Rock Around the Clock.' It captures the post-WWII shift toward a 24-hour industrial and social lifestyle. In modern culture, it often highlights the 'always-on' nature of the internet and global economy.
The Hyphen Rule
If you use it before a noun (like 'around-the-clock service'), use hyphens. If you use it after a verb (like 'working around the clock'), no hyphens are needed!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small task, it loses its power. Save it for things that truly feel non-stop or very intense.
Em 15 segundos
- Means 24 hours a day without any breaks.
- Used to emphasize hard work or constant availability.
- Often used for emergency services, businesses, or intense study.
What It Means
Around the clock means continuous action. It describes something that never stops. It covers all twenty-four hours of the day. Think of a circle that never ends. If you work around the clock, you don't sleep. If a shop is open around the clock, the doors never lock. It implies intensity and dedication. It’s not just 'all day.' It is day and night combined.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase after a verb. You can say someone is 'working', 'studying', or 'operating' around the clock. It functions like an adverb. You don't need to add 'hours' after it. Just say around the clock. It sounds very natural in conversation. You can also use it as an adjective with hyphens: around-the-clock service. Use it when you want to sound impressed or exhausted.
When To Use It
Use it for emergencies or big deadlines. It fits perfectly in a hospital setting. Doctors work around the clock during crises. Use it when describing a 24/7 business. It’s great for complaining about a noisy neighbor. 'Their dog barks around the clock!' Use it to show how hard you are working. It makes your effort sound heroic. It’s perfect for high-stakes situations.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that actually stop. If you work 9 to 5, don't use this. It will sound like a lie! Avoid it for short bursts of time. It implies a full cycle of the sun. Don't use it if you just mean 'frequently.' It means 'constantly.' If you say a restaurant is open around the clock, and it closes at midnight, people will be very hungry and angry.
Cultural Background
The phrase became very popular in the 1950s. This was thanks to the hit song 'Rock Around the Clock' by Bill Haley & His Comets. Before that, it was mostly used in technical or military contexts. Now, it represents our modern, non-stop society. It reflects the 'hustle culture' of the West. We value being busy, so we use this phrase often to show productivity.
Common Variations
You might hear round the clock as a shorter version. Both are perfectly fine. Some people say 24/7, which is more modern. Others say day and night. However, around the clock feels more rhythmic. It sounds more descriptive than just saying 'always.' It paints a picture of a ticking clock that never stops.
Notas de uso
This phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register. It is equally appropriate in a casual text to a friend or a formal business report.
The Hyphen Rule
If you use it before a noun (like 'around-the-clock service'), use hyphens. If you use it after a verb (like 'working around the clock'), no hyphens are needed!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small task, it loses its power. Save it for things that truly feel non-stop or very intense.
The 'Round' Shortcut
In casual speech, Americans often drop the 'A' and just say 'round the clock.' It sounds faster and more relaxed.
Exemplos
6We've been working around the clock to finish this project by Friday.
We've been working all day and night to finish this project by Friday.
Shows high intensity and dedication to a deadline.
I love that place because they serve breakfast around the clock.
I love that place because they serve breakfast 24 hours a day.
Refers to a business that never closes.
Since the baby arrived, we've been up around the clock.
Since the baby arrived, we haven't slept at all.
Expresses exhaustion in a relatable way.
Rescue teams are working around the clock to find survivors.
Rescue teams are working non-stop to find survivors.
Used in serious, high-stakes reporting.
The construction next door is going on around the clock. I'm going crazy!
The construction next door is happening non-stop.
Hyperbolic use to express annoyance.
He’s been playing that new RPG around the clock; I think he’s forgotten what the sun looks like.
He's been playing that game non-stop.
Lighthearted teasing about an obsession.
Teste-se
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a 24-hour pharmacy.
If you have an emergency at 3 AM, don't worry; this pharmacy is open ___.
'Around the clock' is the standard idiom for 24-hour service.
Identify the correct usage in a professional context.
The IT team provided ___ support during the server migration.
When used as an adjective before a noun, we use hyphens: 'around-the-clock support'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Around the Clock'
Used with friends to complain about lack of sleep.
I've been up around the clock.
Standard use for businesses or news.
The diner is open around the clock.
Used in reports or official statements.
Surveillance is maintained around the clock.
When to use 'Around the Clock'
Emergency Services
Hospitals operate around the clock.
Deadlines
Studying around the clock for finals.
Business
24-hour gyms are open around the clock.
Parenting
New parents work around the clock.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasUsually, yes. It implies that there is no closing time or break, like a 24/7 business.
Yes, if you are very dedicated. For example, She's been painting around the clock to finish her gallery piece.
They are very similar, but around the clock sounds a bit more professional or intense.
Absolutely. It is a very common way to describe a team's hard work or a service's availability.
No, that is not an expression. Stick to around the clock or round the clock.
No, it is a standard idiom. It is safe to use in almost any setting, from a bar to a boardroom.
It refers to the circular face of a clock. To go 'around' it means to pass every hour marked on the dial.
Yes. You can say The noise from the factory continues around the clock to complain about a nuisance.
Both US and UK speakers use both, but round the clock is slightly more common in informal British English.
No, that is redundant. Just say around the clock because the 24 hours are already implied.
Frases relacionadas
24/7
Day and night
Non-stop
Without a break
Day in, day out
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