stop (one's) clock

stop (one's) clock

dated To kill one; to limit the amount of time one has left in one's life. One would expect him to be resentful to have a disease stop his clock at such a young age, but Jacob remains in good spirits and optimistic about finding a cure.See also: clock, stop

stop someone's clock

Kill someone, as in They threatened to stop his clock if he appeared on the witness stand. This expression transfers the ticking of a clock to the progress of one's life. [Slang; 1940s] See also: clock, stop