sign of the times

[ sahyn uhv thuh tahymz ]

idiom

1. an event, action, etc., that reveals an important trend in the culture, economy, or environment:

   I’m seeing a lot more cyclists on my commute—must be a sign of the times, or maybe just gas prices.

   The people I talk to don’t see these layoffs as a reflection on the company, but rather a sign of the times.

2. Christianity. an event that seems to fulfill prophecy, especially prophecy relating to the Judgment or the return of Jesus Christ:

   In his book about life in the last days before the Second Coming, he lists many signs of the times apparent in our generation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sign of the times¹

First recorded in 1520–30