ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turn back the clock

idiom
Meaning

To return to a previous state.


Examples
SIMPLE

I wish I could turn back the clock to my childhood.

CONTEXTUAL

Even if we could turn back the clock, we would probably make the same mistakes again.

COMPLEX

The aging actor stared at his younger self in the mirror, wishing he could turn back the clock to the height of his fame.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    around the clock

    Alternative form of around-the-clock.

  3. 03

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  4. 04

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  5. 05

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  6. 06

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  7. 07

    back into

    To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.

  8. 08

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

Last updated April 17, 2026