every minute counts

every minute counts

Every minute is crucial; any additional time could make a difference in the outcome of something. This phrase is typically used in urgent situations. How long has he been unconscious? Every minute counts here. I don't want to miss my flight, so drive faster—every minute counts! Every minute counts in a situation like this where the victim has been deprived of oxygen.

See also: count, every, minute

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

Every minute counts,

 and Every moment counts.

Fig. time is very important. (Used especially in situations where time is very limited.) Doctor, please try to get here quickly. Every minute counts. When you take a test, you must work rapidly because every minute counts. When you're trying to meet a deadline, every moment counts.

See also: count, every, minute

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

every minute counts

Also, every moment counts. Time is of the essence. For example, Hurry up with those tools-every minute counts, or In performing surgery every moment counts. This idiom uses count in the sense of "to enter into the reckoning" (and hence be important).

See also: count, every, minute

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.