clock watcher

noun

1. an employee who demonstrates lack of interest in a job by watching the time closely to be sure to stop work as soon as the workday or shift is over.
2. any person who watches the time closely, as in expectation of some news or event.

clock-watcher

noun

1. an employee who checks the time in anticipation of a break or of the end of the working day

Other Words From

• clock watching noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clock watcher¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

To this extent, the anxieties of the clock watchers were well-founded.

From The Guardian

Some toxic managers are incessant clock watchers, taking note of the time you arrive in the morning and leave in the evening, and nitpicking about the length of work breaks.

From Salon

They call the persons in the former rush the clock watchers.

From Project Gutenberg

Character—excellent, not a clock watcher—interested only in results, working night and day if necessary to secure his success.

From Project Gutenberg