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

Example Sentences

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

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Still, the car tax’s resurfacing as an issue was a sign of the times, Rozell added, as it’s yet another expense for cost-conscious voters.

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Still, the car tax’s resurfacing as an issue is a sign of the times, Rozell added, as it’s yet another expense for cost-conscious voters.

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Another sign of the times: Meme-stock ETF is back from the dead.

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In a sign of the times, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said this week that the app is experimenting in India with giving users the option to make its Reels feature the first thing they see when they open the app.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal