It’s Time to Change the Clocks (and Learn Some New Idioms!)
Have you ever been caught out when we change to wintertime or summertime? Maybe not, but it can be very confusing, especially if you happen to be in a different time zone at that moment 🌎 (like me right now 🤔) and that country doesn’t change! It’s already tricky enough keeping track of classes in my calendar 📅 and converting everyone’s local times to wherever I am. But when we change the clocks… well, you can imagine the chaos😣. This expression “changing the clocks “got me thinking about other English phrases that don’t make much sense 🤯when you translate them literally. So, here’s a fun selection you might not know!
Liz Aldam
10/26/20251 min read
🕐 To put the clocks back/forward
Definition: To adjust clocks to an earlier/later time, usually when daylight saving time ends.
Example: Don’t forget to put the clocks back on Sunday or you’ll show up an hour early for work!
⏳ To change the clocks
Definition: To adjust all clocks and watches to a new time, usually because of the start or end of daylight-saving time.
Example: Remember to change the clocks this weekend. We’re switching to wintertime.
🕰️ The clock is slow
Definition: The clock shows a time that is behind the correct time.
Example: No wonder I was late! This clock is ten minutes slow !
⏰ To run late
Definition: To be behind schedule or delayed.
Example: Sorry, I’m running late. Traffic is terrible this morning.
💼 To call it a day
Definition: To stop working or end an activity for the day.
Example: We’ve done enough for now. Let’s call it a day and finish tomorrow.
💸 To be broke
Definition: To have no money at all.
Example: I’d love to go out for dinner, but I’m completely broke until payday.
🔔 That rings a bell
Definition: Something sounds familiar or reminds you of something you’ve heard before.
Example: Her name rings a bell. Didn’t we meet her at the conference last year?
🎯 To miss the point
Definition: To fail to understand the main idea or meaning of something.
Example: You’re missing the point. I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed.
In conclusion:
So next time you have to change the clocks (or run late, or call it a day), you’ll know that these little phrases hide a lot of history and humour behind them. Languages don’t just tell time differently they think about it differently too! ⏰✨
And if you ever find yourself lost in translation, just remember it’s all part of the fun of learning English. 😁
Liz Aldam – English Language Specialist
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