This phenomenon describes how some people react to undesirable and uninspiring work situations. This phenomenon is mainly applicable to people working boring, mindless jobs, most of whom perform rote work -- e.g., data entry -- or are paid simply simply for their presence -- e.g., a booth attendant. Activities that constitute 'shutting down' and checking out' include: napping, reading, sending excessive/unnecessary text messages, and listening to one's iPod.
Elliott: I'm surprised Tom hasn't gotten more sleep today -- doesn't he have to work the graveyard shift tonight?
Mark: Yeah, but remember, he's a booth attendant in the middle of the night...he's just going to Show up, Shut down, Clock in and Check out.
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clock-down basically means 'hands down' or 'honestly'.
you normally use it when you need to say something like for real.
"how did the marathon go?"
"good but now I'm clock-down dead"
(meaning they ran the marathon and now they're really tired)