beat the clock

verb3

1. •
   To perform a task or successfully complete an activity within a time limit.

   • He and Mr. Goldie have managed to beat the clock, finishing and printing the book themselves while Mr. Murray is still alive. — 2010
2. •
   To be used or become operational before a deadline or date of expiration.
3. •
   To remain youthful; to live a long, healthy life.

   • [T]he man who looked like an ageing rocker trying to beat the clock, was none other than Robert Lee Vesco. — 1995