Put/turn the clock back
verb
To return to a time in the past or a condition that no longer exists.
He keeps talking about the old days and how he wishes he could turn the clock back.
Often appears as...
- turn the clock back to
- can't turn the clock back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To reverse progress or go back to an old way of doing things.
The new rules seem to put the clock back, making it harder for women to have high-ranking jobs.
Often appears as...
- put the clock back on
- put the clock back to
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To return to a time in the past or a condition that no longer exists.
He keeps talking about the old days and how he wishes he could turn the clock back.
Often appears as...
- turn the clock back to
- can't turn the clock back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To reverse progress or go back to an old way of doing things.
The new rules seem to put the clock back, making it harder for women to have high-ranking jobs.
Often appears as...
- put the clock back on
- put the clock back to
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/1Not Literal
It's a metaphor and isn't used for literal time changing.
She said she'd turn the clock back if she had the chance; clearly, it's a figure of speech.
Pro Tip 1/1Not Literal
It's a metaphor and isn't used for literal time changing.
She said she'd turn the clock back if she had the chance; clearly, it's a figure of speech.
Pro Tip 1/1Not Literal
It's a metaphor and isn't used for literal time changing.
She said she'd turn the clock back if she had the chance; clearly, it's a figure of speech.
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