Phrase guide

put the clock back

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To change the time in a time zone to an earlier time, e.g. for the end of daylight saving time.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • Don't forget that this Sunday we put the clocks back an hour.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To put something back to the state it was in a previous era.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • He wants to turn the clock back to the 1950s.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: turn back the clock, turn the clocks back

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.