Grandfather clock

Definitions

• a tall, freestanding clock with a long pendulum and weights that is often passed down through generations in a family
  Referring to a specific type of clock that is typically found in traditional homes and is often seen as a family heirloom or treasure

• something that is old-fashioned or outdated
  Comparing something to a grandfather clock, implying that it is no longer relevant or useful in modern times

• a clock with a deep, resonant chime
  Describing the sound of a clock that has a distinct and nostalgic chime, often used in literature or storytelling to create a sense of time passing

Examples of Grandfather clock

• The rate at which the company grows seems to be ticking like a grandfather clock.

  Just as a grandfather clock strikes the hour at regular intervals, the company's growth is also progressing at a consistent rate. This idiom is used to indicate that something is advancing steadily and reliably over time.

• His political career appears to be winding down, like the hands on a grandfather clock coming to a stop.

  In the same way that a grandfather clock comes to a halt as the second hand reaches 12, the individual's political career is gradually coming to an end. This idiom can be used to imply that someone or something is approaching a conclusion or retirement.

• Just as the grandfather clock needs to be wound, we often need to recharge ourselves after a long period of hard work.

  This idiom highlights the fact that just as a grandfather clock requires winding to function properly, individuals also need to take breaks and reinvigorate themselves after sustained effort to continue operating at peak performance.

• She always has a clear sense of time, like a grandfather clock keeping perfect time.

  This idiom is used to portray an individual who has exceptional time management skills and is punctual, just as a grandfather clock keeps accurate time.

• The lawyer's advice was like a grandfather clock - it came in steady, measured intervals.

  Just as a grandfather clock strikes the hour in a slow, deliberate fashion, the lawyer's advice was given in a calculated and methodical way. It was given in distinct, clear periods, much like the strikes of a clock.

• Their relationship was like a grandfather clock - it was a familiar, steady presence that had been in their lives for a long time.

  Just as a grandfather clock has been a familiar fixture in a household for many years, the relationship between these two people had become a steady, consistent presence in their lives. It was a comforting and reliable element that had endured over time.

• The teacher's routine was like a grandfather clock - it was reliable and predictable, but sometimes felt outdated.

  Like a grandfather clock, the teacher's routine was so consistent and habitual that it felt inevitable and unchanging. However, over time, some elements of the routine may have become outdated or irrelevant, much like a grandfather clock that still runs but may have become less useful over time.

• The family's traditions were like a grandfather clock - they were so deeply ingrained that they continued to be observed even as the family changed and evolved.

  Just as a grandfather clock continues to tick even as the clockmaker who created it is long gone, the family's traditions persisted through generations and changing circumstances. They were so deeply ingrained that they endured even as the family changed and evolved around them.

Conclusion

The idiom "grandfather clock" has multiple meanings, but they all revolve around the idea of a traditional, old-fashioned clock. The first meaning refers to the physical object itself, a tall clock with a pendulum and weights that is often passed down through generations in a family as a valuable heirloom. This meaning evokes a sense of nostalgia and family history.

The second meaning uses the grandfather clock as a metaphor for something that is outdated or no longer useful in modern times. This could refer to objects, ideas, or even people who are seen as old-fashioned or out of touch.

Finally, the third meaning describes the sound of the clock's chime, which is often used in literature or storytelling to create a sense of time passing or to set a nostalgic mood. This meaning highlights the unique and memorable sound of the grandfather clock's chime.

Origin of "Grandfather clock"

The origin of the idiom "grandfather clock" can be traced back to the late 17th century in England. At this time, clockmaking was a popular trade and many different types of clocks were being created. One of these was the longcase clock, which was also known as a "tall clock" or "grandfather clock." The term "grandfather" was added to distinguish this type of clock from others, as it was often passed down through generations in a family.

The term "grandfather clock" has also been linked to a popular song and dance called "My Grandfather's Clock," written by Henry Clay Work in 1876. The song tells the story of an old clock that was owned by the singer's grandfather and continues to tick away even after his death.

Today, the idiom "grandfather clock" is still commonly used and continues to evoke a sense of tradition, nostalgia, and family history.