Question of the Day #1290

Trump Asked If Putin Is 'Back On The Clock' Amid Ceasefire Stalemate

From the headline of this article at Newsweek.

  上記の文で、on the clockの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "on the clock" mean?

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Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎では、

1. 時計上で
2. 《be ～》〈話〉勤務時間中である◆【対】off the clock

とありますが、実はon the clockにはもっと多くの意味があります。例えば、Wiktionary.orgでは九つの定義があり、その7番目が例文の正しい訳です。それは、

（主にスポーツのドラフト会議において）時間内に決定・結果を出さなければならない時に注視されている状況

問題文はスポーツのドラフト会議ではありませんが、Trump Asked If Putin Is 'Back On The Clock'は「プーチンは、再び時間内に決定を出さなければならないのか」という意味になります。

 

Answer

According to Wiktionary there are nine definitions of "on the clock":

1. (literally) Displayed on the dial of a clock (timepiece).
2. (idiomatic) Working at one's job; occupied in some manner during one's hours of remunerated employment.
3. (idiomatic) During one's official working hours; in or into a position of remunerated employment.
4. (idiomatic) Of a taxicab, engaged for hire; displayed numerically as time or fare on the meter of a taxicab.
5. (sports) In the official time remaining in a game or other sporting event.
6. (sports) In the official time expired in a game or other sporting event.
7. (chiefly sports drafts) Under scrutiny due to having to make a decision or produce results within a set period of time.
8. (of a motor vehicle) Displayed numerically on the mileage or kilometric gauge.
9. Remunerated per unit of time.

The most appropriate definition for the headline in question would be number 7. Although this definition is for "chiefly sports drafts," the fact that Putin is being put on the clock to make a decision is the same.

 

Examples

1. Brady had 2 minutes on the clock and time outs. He could have tied the game. But he’s not clutch so… — Dalton J (@darealpilsbury) June 20, 2018
2. The Washington Commanders were thrilled that cornerback Trey Amos was still available when they were on the clock at No. 61 overall.
3. Ian Poulter was put on the clock twice, not penalized, but warned about his play, during his second round at the Masters.
4. It sounds like you're starting to rank the players who you feel may be available when you're on the clock—a critical step for owners as draft day approaches.
5. In the last quarter, the basketball team was on the clock to score more points.

   

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