A sign of the times

noun phrase

An indication or evidence of what is happening or popular in society or culture at a particular period in time.

The rise of eco-friendly products is a sign of the times.
Visual representation of "a sign of the times" - An indication or evidence of what is happening or popular in society or culture at a particular period in time

Often appears as...

  • a sad sign of the times
  • a clear sign of the times

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun phrase

An indication or evidence of what is happening or popular in society or culture at a particular period in time.

The rise of eco-friendly products is a sign of the times.
Visual representation of "a sign of the times" - An indication or evidence of what is happening or popular in society or culture at a particular period in time

Often appears as...

  • a sad sign of the times
  • a clear sign of the times

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a sign of the times"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Societal Changes

Used to comment on new trends that reflect current social or cultural shifts.

Illustration for Societal Changes
Working from home has become a sign of the times.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Positive

Can refer to both positive and negative trends; context reveals the speaker's attitude.

Illustration for Not Always Positive
The need for food banks is a disturbing sign of the times.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Resonance

Evokes emotions or nostalgia; often implies a longing for past norms or practices.

Illustration for Emotional Resonance
The closure of old bookshops is a sad sign of the times.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Societal Changes

Used to comment on new trends that reflect current social or cultural shifts.

Illustration for Societal Changes
Working from home has become a sign of the times.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Positive

Can refer to both positive and negative trends; context reveals the speaker's attitude.

Illustration for Not Always Positive
The need for food banks is a disturbing sign of the times.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Resonance

Evokes emotions or nostalgia; often implies a longing for past norms or practices.

Illustration for Emotional Resonance
The closure of old bookshops is a sad sign of the times.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Societal Changes

Used to comment on new trends that reflect current social or cultural shifts.

Illustration for Societal Changes
Working from home has become a sign of the times.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Positive

Can refer to both positive and negative trends; context reveals the speaker's attitude.

Illustration for Not Always Positive
The need for food banks is a disturbing sign of the times.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Resonance

Evokes emotions or nostalgia; often implies a longing for past norms or practices.

Illustration for Emotional Resonance
The closure of old bookshops is a sad sign of the times.
Visual representation of the word "A sign of the times"

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