set one's watch by someone

Verb

To know what time it is by observing a very punctual and reliable person going about their regular routine.

Japanese Meaning

正確で信頼できる人の日常的なルーチンを観察し、その人を基準にして時刻を判断すること。 / 時間に厳格で信頼できる人物の規則正しい行動を参照して、自分の時計の時刻を合わせること。

In our town, people set one's watch by Mr. Alvarez, who opens his bakery at seven o'clock every morning.

私たちの町では、住民は毎朝ちょうど7時にパン屋を開けるアルバレスさんに時計を合わせている。

Sense（1）

To know what time it is by observing a very punctual and reliable person going about their regular routine.

sets one's watch by someone

（ present singular third-person ）

setting one's watch by someone

（ participle present ）

set one's watch by someone

（ participle past ）

set one's watch by someone

（ past ）