ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put the clock forward

idiom
Meaning

To change the time in a time zone to a later time.


Examples
SIMPLE

Remember to put the clock forward tonight for daylight savings.

CONTEXTUAL

Most people put the clock forward by one hour when spring begins to enjoy more evening sunlight.

COMPLEX

As the season shifted, the government mandated that citizens put the clock forward to align local schedules with the extended daylight hours.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    around the clock

    Alternative form of around-the-clock.

  2. 02

    backwards and forwards

    Thoroughly; completely, comprehensively.

  3. 03

    beat the clock

    To perform a task or successfully complete an activity within a time limit.

  4. 04

    bring forward

    To call up for consideration.

  5. 05

    carry forward

    To transfer to a new page, column, ledger, or similar entity.

  6. 06

    clean someone's clock

    To defeat someone decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.

  7. 07

    clock in

    To be measured at.

  8. 08

    clock is ticking

    Time is running out; a deadline is approaching.

Last updated April 17, 2026