to record on a special clock when you arrive and leave work.
In some offices, if you don't punch a clock, you don't get paid.
2.
to go to work every day.
Someone who is retired doesn't have to punch a clock or commute.
(redirected from punch a clock)
punch a/the clock
1. To record the time of one's arrival to and departure from work, often on a specialized clock or other device. Be sure to punch the clock each day or there may be issues processing your pay at the end of the week.
2. By extension, to do work in general, especially a steady 9-to-5 job. I've always dreamed of winning the lottery so I don't have to punch a clock for the rest of my life.
punch the (time) clock
1 (of an employee) clock in or out. 2 be employed in a conventional job with regular hours. North American