tɜːrn bæk ðə klɒk
Time
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- to physically move the hands of a clock backward
What does "turn back the clock" mean?
- to return to a previous state or era
- to wish for or attempt to recreate the past
Examples
- You can't turn back the clock — what's done is done.
- The new policy seems like an attempt to turn back the clock on workers' rights.
- If I could turn back the clock, I would have studied harder in college.
Origin
The metaphor emerged in the 19th century alongside widespread clock ownership.
How to use it
Often used with 'can't' to express that the past cannot be changed.
Similar expressions
go back in time
reverse time
return to the past
Opposites
move forward
look ahead
progress
Related idioms
- in the long run
Over a long period of time
- better late than never
It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- from time to time
occasionally, not regularly
- in the nick of time
Just in time; at the last possible moment
- run out of time
to have no more time left to do something
- time flies when you're having fun
Enjoyable moments seem to pass quickly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "turn back the clock" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.