put the/(one's) clock(s) back

put the/(one's) clock(s) back

To adjust the time on one's clock(s) back by one hour to account for the end of daylight saving time. Don't forget to put your clock back tonight. I hate having to put the clocks back every autumn, it's such an antiquated custom.

See also: back, put

put/turn the ˈclock back

return to the past; return to old-fashioned ideas, customs, etc: Sometimes I wish I could turn the clock back to my days as a student. ♢ These new restrictions on medical research will undoubtedly put the clock back (by) 20 years.

See also: back, clock, put, turn