put back the clock

put back the clock

To revisit, recount, return to or recreate a time or era from the past. The purpose of this conference is to put back the clock by analyzing early human remains to try and gain insight into their way of life. The governor is bent on putting back the clock and returning us to the ethics of the 1950s.
See also: back, clock, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • push back the clock
  • set back the clock
  • roll back the clock
  • turn back the clock
  • turn the clock back, to
  • put the/(one's) clock(s) back
  • put/turn the clock back
  • set the/(one's) clock(s) back
  • move the/(one's) clock(s) back
  • turn the/(one's) clock(s) back
References in periodicals archive
I believe, cradle Catholic that I am, that anti-abortioners must not attempt to put back the clock. Women would, in fact, not permit this to happen.
I admire anti-abortion gran - but she's wrong
"I don't think you will ever get rid of fashion, you can't put back the clock," she said.
Nanotechnology offers benefits to reduce textile and clothing waste
"There's no plot and nothing in the work we are doing on TVNZ's content strategy postcharter designed to put back the clock to the days when TVNZ produced all or most of its own programs."
Pubcaster waits for crucial guidelines. (New Zealand/Weta Digital At 10)
As a reactionary, I naturally welcomed the smashing up of the old, monolithic nationalised industries because this seemed like a genuine attempt to put back the clock.
So what does the Conservative Party exist to conserve? Columnist
If only she could find that Tardis and put back the clock
The Razz: ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
If I could put back the clock, I would have had my baby adopted.
Record Woman; I thought I was over my abortion until I heard a baby cry