# set one's watch by someone

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/set-ones-watch-by-someone
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To know the current time by observing a very punctual and reliable person going about their regular routine.

## Examples

- He is so punctual that you can set your watch by him.
- My neighbor leaves for work at exactly eight, so I set my watch by him every morning.
- The old station master was a man of such rigid habit that the villagers would often set their watch by his daily arrival on the platform.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.