What it means
To get clocked is to be seen straight through, your real mood, motive or little secret spotted instantly by someone who is not fooled for a second. The mask slips and they clock you on the spot.
Usage examples
"I said I was fine but she clocked me in two seconds."
"He tried to sneak out early and the boss clocked him at the door."
"Don't even try that innocent face, mate, I clocked you the second you walked in."
"She clocked that I was raging before I even said a word."
Where it comes from
This comes from clock as a verb meaning to notice or spot something. That sense has been around in British English since the mid 20th century, especially in street and working class speech. So if someone gets clocked, they’ve been seen properly, not just glanced at.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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