In this blog post, we explore 20 vibrant expressions related to change, each accompanied by a succinct definition and a practical example to illustrate how they breathe life into our daily conversations and narratives. Whether you’re looking to express personal growth or describe major life pivots, these idioms and phrasal verbs will add depth and clarity to your storytelling.
1. Change of Heart
Meaning: A shift in one’s feelings or opinions
Example: He had a change of heart overnight.
2. Turn Over a New Leaf
Meaning: Start anew, reform oneself
Example: She turned over a new leaf after college.
3. Change Tack
Meaning: Alter one’s approach or strategy
Example: They changed tack to improve sales.
4. Shake Things Up
Meaning: To do things differently, innovate
Example: The new manager shook things up.
5. Switch Gears
Meaning: Change focus or activity
Example: We switched gears from planning to executing.
6. Change One’s Stripes
Meaning: Change one’s inherent nature
Example: A tiger can’t change its stripes easily.
7. Break the Mold
Meaning: Do something in a new way
Example: She broke the mold with her invention.
8. Ring the Changes
Meaning: Make noticeable alterations
Example: They rang the changes in the new model.
9. Change the Game
Meaning: Radically alter the existing method
Example: This strategy will change the game completely.
10. Change Hands
Meaning: Transfer ownership or control
Example: The company changed hands last year.
11. Chop and Change
Meaning: Change one’s mind frequently
Example: He chops and changes his plans often.
12. Change for the Better
Meaning: Improve in condition or quality
Example: His attitude changed for the better.
13. Change of Pace
Meaning: A variation in one’s routine
Example: I took a trip for a change of pace.
14. Change the Subject
Meaning: Start discussing something different
Example: Let’s change the subject to something lighter.
15. A Sea Change
Meaning: A profound transformation
Example: There was a sea change in her outlook.
16. Make a Change
Meaning: To alter something in one’s life or environment
Example: It’s time to make a change at work.
17. Change One’s Tune
Meaning: Alter one’s stance or opinion
Example: He quickly changed his tune when he saw the facts.
18. Swap Horses in Midstream
Meaning: Change plans or leaders abruptly
Example: They swapped horses in midstream of the project.
19. Turn the Tables
Meaning: Reverse one’s position relative to others
Example: They turned the tables in the second half.
20. Undergo a Transformation
Meaning: Experience a significant change
Example: The city has undergone a transformation.
