a sign of the times

noun phrase

: something that shows the kinds of things that are happening, popular, important, etc., in a culture at a particular period in history

Having metal detectors in schools is a sign of the times.

Examples of a sign of the times in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The company's bankruptcy is a sign of the times, representing a change not just in consumers' habits, but also changing macro-economic trends in the pricing of so many items Big Lots stocks and the profit margins. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 That’s a sign of the times with Burrow’s salary changing the dynamics of how the Bengals must operate. —

Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Villa’s interest not only indicated the style of player Emery wants in the role but served as a sign of the times, with centre-backs moonlighting in wider areas. —

Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 In the summer of 2020, being vocal about DEI was a sign of the times. —

Doug Melville, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for a sign of the times

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“A sign of the times.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20sign%20of%20the%20times. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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