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Put the Clock Back

What Does "Put the Clock Back" Mean?

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"Put the clock back" is an English idiom. It means "to set a clock or timepiece to an earlier time, often to account for daylight saving time or changing time zones."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "put the clock back" used in a sentence:
  • In the fall, we need to put the clock back by one hour as daylight saving time ends.
  • He forgot to put the clock back before going to bed, causing him to wake up an hour earlier than planned.
  • Remember to put the clock back when necessary to avoid confusion with appointments and schedules.
meaning for put the clock back

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Put the Clock Back" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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