trend of the times; spirit of the age; current of the times
Refers to the prevailing social, political, or cultural trends of a particular period. Often used in discussions of adapting to or going against the times.
I always gather new information so as not to fall behind the times.
His way of thinking is out of step with the times.
sense of the times; sensitivity to the changing times
Compound of 時 (time, era) and 勢 (force, momentum, trend). The combination conveys the idea of the driving forces or trends of a particular time.