Round the clock

Meaning

The idiom "round the clock" means working or operating continuously for a long period of time, especially 24 hours a day. It can also refer to providing service around the clock, such as a restaurant or gas station that stays open all night.

Usage

• The company's customer support team is available round the clock to help customers with their queries.
• The hospital's emergency room is staffed round the clock to provide immediate care to patients in need.
• Our delivery service guarantees that packages are delivered round the clock, seven days a week.
• The security guards patrol round the clock to ensure the safety of visitors and employees on the premises.
• My boss expects me to work round the clock until the project is completed by the deadline.

Roots and History

The phrase "round the clock" can be traced back to the 17th century, where it was used in a literal sense to describe objects that were made or designed to last for an entire day. Over time, the idiom began to be used figuratively to describe activities that were done continuously throughout the day or night. In the early 20th century, the phrase became associated with workers who were required to work long hours, and by the mid-20th century it had taken on its current meaning of providing service or operations around the clock.

Synonyms in English

• 24/7
• all day, every day
• non-stop
• constant
• perpetual

Synonyms in other languages

• En français: non-arrêté, continu
• In Spanish: sin interrupción, seguido
• In Italian: senza interruzioni, seguito
• In German: ununterbrochen, durchgehendig
• In Japanese: 24時間, 継続的な

Similar Idioms

• on the horizon

• raise the bar

• right away