sign of the times

American  

[sahyn uhv thuh tahymz] / ˈsaɪn əv ðə ˈtaɪmz /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of sign of the times

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sign of the times

In a sign of the times, workers on Thursday protested at Volkswagen sites across the country over reports that Germany's biggest carmaker is mulling up to 100,000 job cuts.

From Barron's ● Jul. 12, 2026

“I’m not willing to say it’s a sign of the times, but I’m close to saying it’s a sign of the times.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

Instead, in a sign of the times that seems impossibly quaint in the harsh light of 2026, she issued a somber mea culpa.

From Slate ● May 6, 2026

That other businesses, too, are reviving deals is a sign of the times.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 16, 2025

From seminary to corrections academy: a sign of the times.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover