a race against time

1.慣用語B2

釋義

a situation where you have only a short time to finish something important before it is too late

例句

After the flood warning, the rescue team was in a race against time.

be in a race against time during an emergency

Doctors faced a race against time to stop the infection from spreading.

face a race against time to + verb

同義詞

against the clock
very close in meaning, often stressing the need to finish before a fixed deadline
under time pressure
broader and less vivid; it can describe lower-stakes situations too
in a rush
weaker and more personal; it may describe haste without real danger

反義詞

with time to spare
describes having enough time left before the deadline

文法句型

be in a race against time

face a race against time

it is a race against time to + verb

用法筆記

Usually follows be, become, or face, and it is often followed by an infinitive or clause naming the urgent goal. It usually describes emergencies, deadlines, or rescue work where delay may cause loss, damage, or danger, not ordinary busyness.

常見錯誤

❌We were in a race against time, but we still had all week.

✅We were busy, but we still had all week.

💡a race against time means the remaining time is dangerously short.

❌I race against time to school every morning.

✅I rush to school every morning.

💡this idiom describes a pressured situation, not simply moving fast by yourself.