THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A sign of the times
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Something that seems typical of current conditions or attitudes, usually viewed with disapproval.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- She called the replacement of the friendly help desk with a chatbot a sign of the times.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
She called the replacement of the friendly help desk with a chatbot ________.
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A sign of the times — Something that seems typical of current conditions or attitudes, usually viewed with disapproval.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A sign of the times” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Something that seems typical of current conditions or attitudes, usually viewed with disapproval.
Compare: She called the replacement of the friendly help desk with a chatbot a sign of the times.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when an event seems to reflect a broader change in society. It often expresses concern or criticism rather than simple observation.
More examples in context
- The character in the story sees the locked community garden as a sign of the times.
- He thought the hurried, impersonal replies were a sign of the times.
Usage note
The expression presents someone’s interpretation of a wider trend; one example does not prove that a whole society has changed. Times is plural.
A short conversation
A: Why was Jo upset about the library removing its noticeboard?
B: She saw it as a sign of the times: fewer chances for neighbours to connect.
A: Perhaps we can suggest another way to share local news.
One more practice question
Which use best fits “a sign of the times”?
A. Treating an impersonal service change as an example of a wider social trend.
B. Describing the precise time shown on a kitchen clock.
Check your answer
A. The speaker connects one event with broader conditions or attitudes.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.