The clock's hands moved ever closer to midnight.

Meaning: The time was getting closer to 12 o'clock at night.

Choice of Words: Moved means to change position or location. Ever closer means getting nearer and nearer. Midnight means 12 o'clock at night. When you put them together, "Moved ever closer to midnight" means that the clock's hands were getting nearer and nearer to 12 o'clock at night.

Alternative Expressions

The clock's hands crept ever closer to midnight.

Meaning: The clock's hands are moving very slowly towards midnight.

Choice of Words: The word "crept" suggests a slow, stealthy movement. It is often used to describe the movement of something that is trying to avoid being noticed. In this case, the clock's hands are moving slowly and steadily towards midnight, as if they are trying to sneak up on it.

The clock's hands inched ever closer to midnight.

Meaning: The clock's hands are moving very slowly towards midnight.

Choice of Words: The word "inched" also suggests a slow, gradual movement. It is often used to describe the movement of something that is moving very slowly, one small step at a time. In this case, the clock's hands are moving very slowly towards midnight, as if they are taking one small step at a time.

The clock's hands tiptoed ever closer to midnight.

Meaning: The clock's hands are moving very quietly and stealthily towards midnight.

Choice of Words: The word "tiptoed" suggests a very quiet, stealthy movement. It is often used to describe the movement of someone who is trying to avoid making any noise. In this case, the clock's hands are moving very quietly and stealthily towards midnight, as if they are trying to avoid being noticed.

Related Expressions