run down the clock



run down the clock

In sports, to protect a lead by using up as much possible time that remains in a game or match without giving the opposing team a chance to score, generally by maintaining a passive or defensive strategy. With just a narrow two-point lead, the home team is trying to run down the clock to hold out for a win. I don't know, Jim, there's a lot of game time left for them to start running down the clock already.
See also: clock, down, run

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
DylanDUL-an (Welsh), DIL-ən (English)Welsh, English, Welsh Mythology
Gulnar-Kazakh, Azerbaijani
AnselmiAHN-sel-meeFinnish
Bates[beits]
MeesMAY:SDutch
Acacius-Ancient Greek (Latinized)