grandmother's clock

or grandmother clock

noun

1. a pendulum clock similar to a grandfather's clock but shorter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of grandmother's clock¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

“That’s very different than if you give your grandmother’s clock to a pawnshop and they don’t pay you,” she said.

From New York Times

Some of the singers—the serious order of singers—are as namby-pamby off the stage as they are on it, unless revelling in "sweet sounds;" they are too fond of humming tunes, solfaing, and rehearsing graces in society; they have plenty to sing, but nothing to say for themselves; they chime the quarters like "our grandmother's clock," and at every revolution of the minute index, strike up their favourite tune.

From Project Gutenberg

A grandmother's clock pronounced the hour of ten in a frail and elegant voice as the finely-carved oak door was opened, and the Prophet seriously entered this peaceful room, carrying a copy of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius in his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

This remark had a very striking effect upon Sir Tiglath, an effect indeed so striking that it held Mrs. Merillia, Lady Enid and the Prophet in a condition of paralytic expectation for at least three minutes by the grandmother's clock in the corner of the drawing-room.

From Project Gutenberg