ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wind back the clock

idiom
Meaning

To return in time to an earlier period of history.


Examples
SIMPLE

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

CONTEXTUAL

Looking at these old photographs makes me want to wind back the clock and relive those happy summer days.

COMPLEX

Historians often wonder how the world might differ today if we could wind back the clock and change the outcome of that single, fateful decision.

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

    as the wind blows

    According to any given circumstances.

  4. 04

    back down

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

  5. 05

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  6. 06

    back gammon player

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

  7. 07

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  8. 08

    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.

Last updated April 17, 2026