Around the clock意思

"Around the clock" is an English phrase that means continuously or without interruption over a period of time, typically 24 hours. It implies that something is happening or being done non-stop, throughout the day and night. This expression is often used in the context of work shifts, services, or activities that operate or occur without pause for sleep or rest.

For example:

• "The hospital has nurses working around the clock to care for patients."
• "The emergency services are available around the clock in case of any emergencies."
• "The factory operates around the clock to meet the production demands."

The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation that seems endless or without pause, even if it doesn't literally span 24 hours.

• "I've been studying for my exams around the clock." (Here, "around the clock" suggests intense, continuous effort, not necessarily over a full 24-hour period.)

The origin of the phrase is likely due to the literal interpretation of a clock's face, where "around the clock" literally means to move from the start back to the start, indicating a full cycle or a complete period of time.