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

The rejection was “a pretty poignant sign of the times in a state like California,” said John Kabateck, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, which had urged voters to vote no.

From Los Angeles Times

In a sign of the times, one popular podcaster talking about the painful recession gripping Hollywood recently declared, “L.A. is a much-better-weather version of Detroit right now.”

From Los Angeles Times

"People don't have much money for tickets - its a sign of the times," she says.

From BBC

It's a sign of the times that university presidents like Folt, who called in the helicopters and body-armored police, sealed the gates of the university, barred non-USC journalists, and implemented double-ID scans and bag checks for everyone on campus, have for now escaped the committee's scrutiny.

From Salon

First of all, it’s more accurate to say that the media-consuming public is riveted by the contentious political drama surrounding those scenes of campus discord than by the protests themselves, which are a striking sign of the times but hardly a brand new phenomenon.

From Salon