set back the clock

set back the clock

To revisit, recount, return to, or recreate a time or era from the past. The purpose of this conference is to set back the clock by analyzing remains of early human and trying to gain insight into their way of life. The governor is bent on setting back the clock and returning us to the ethics of the 1950s. I'd love to set back the clock to when I was a kid. It was such a happy, carefree time in my life.
See also: back, clock, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • roll back the clock
  • put back the clock
  • push back the clock
  • turn back the clock
  • turn the clock back, to
  • set the/(one's) clock(s) back
  • put the/(one's) clock(s) back
  • put/turn the clock back
  • move the/(one's) clock(s) back
  • turn the/(one's) clock(s) back
References in periodicals archive
"With a new cast of characters, all that would do is set back the clock in terms of the timeline."
Another delay in Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup plan
It would also set back the clock on Iraqi politics--using the same protest tactic that Sunnis used in 2005 parliament voting that left them with only a few lawmakers and a weakened voice in key debates.
Iraq-elections
"If implemented, this arrangement would set back the clock on Iran s breakout capability as it would reduce Iran s stockpile far below the amount needed in order to produce a weapon, and it would take time to reconstitute the amount needed for a breakout," he said.
US set to respond if Iran defiant
"No inquiry, no action within our power can ever set back the clock to 9am last Friday," he said, "nor can it restore to their grieving parents, sisters and brothers, the children who lost their lives." He added, "All we can do is to provide part of the means for reaching the truth, for that truth must be known." Mr Heath, leader of the Opposition, said his mind was "still numb at the thought of the immensity of the personal grief" caused by the disaster.
RETRO REPORT, OCTOBER, 1966:There will be no white-wash, pledges judge
The Mexican indigenous struggle has not come to set back the clock. There is no question of returning to the past and declaiming in a voice full of feeling and inspiration that "all past time was better." I believe that they would have tolerated this and even applauded it.
"Roads of Dignity" Speech