round the clock

(a)round the clock

Nonstop. We have been working round the clock to solve this issue with your security system, but it's going to take us another 24 hours to get it back online. Doctors have been working on him around the clock, but his condition is still critical.

See also: clock

(a)round the clock

Fig. continuously for twenty-four hours at a time. The priceless jewels were guarded around the clock. Grandfather was so sick that he had to have nurses round the clock.

See also: clock, round

round the clock

or

around the clock

COMMON If you do something round the clock or around the clock, you do it continuously, throughout the day and night. Fire crews were working round the clock to bring the huge blaze under control. Detectives watched him around the clock. Note: Round-the-clock and around-the-clock can be used before a noun to describe work that is being done continuously, throughout the day and night. Staff alerted police and a round-the-clock surveillance of the four men began. We can't afford to give you around-the-clock protection.

See also: clock, round

round (or around) the clock

all day and all night; ceaselessly.

1992 Susan Sontag The Volcano Lover The mountain was…guarded round the clock by a ring of armed soldiers mounted on nervous horses.

See also: clock, round

around/round the ˈclock

for twenty-four hours without stopping: The police watched the house round the clock but no one went in or came out. ♢ Her mother needs round-the-clock care and attention.

See also: around, clock, round