# turn back the clock

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/turn-back-the-clock
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To return to a previous state.

## Examples

- I wish I could turn back the clock to my childhood.
- Even if we could turn back the clock, we would probably make the same mistakes again.
- The aging actor stared at his younger self in the mirror, wishing he could turn back the clock to the height of his fame.

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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.