A signal delay estimator includes an adjustable delay element for delaying a first signal to obtain a delayed first signal, a delay amount estimator for estimating a delay amount between the delayed first signal and a second signal that is similar and delayed relative to the first signal, and a leading signal determiner for determining whether the delayed first signal leads the second signal or vice versa, and for generating a corresponding binary signal. A selective inverter is provided for selectively inverting the delay amount depending on the binary signal. The signal delay estimator also includes a feedback element to the adjustable delay element for controlling a delay based on an output of the selective inverter. Another exemplary signal delay estimator includes a closed control loop with an adjustable delay element and separate first and second processing paths for absolute delay amount and delay direction, respectively.