A sign of the times Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Societal Changes Used to comment on new trends that reflect current social or cultural shifts. Working from home has become a sign of the times. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Positive Can refer to both positive and negative trends; context reveals the speaker's attitude. The need for food banks is a disturbing sign of the times. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Resonance Evokes emotions or nostalgia; often implies a longing for past norms or practices. The closure of old bookshops is a sad sign of the times.