Change is a constant in life, impacting every aspect of our existence. Understanding how to discuss and adapt to these shifts is crucial. This blog post explores 20 expressions that encapsulate various aspects of change, enhancing your linguistic arsenal.
1. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: Start anew
Example: He turned over a new leaf after moving to New York.
2. Shake things up
Meaning: Introduce changes
Example: She really shook things up in her new role.
3. Break new ground
Meaning: Do something innovative
Example: Their research broke new ground in genetics.
4. Move the goalposts
Meaning: Change the rules
Example: They moved the goalposts just as we were winning.
5. Shift gears
Meaning: Change approach
Example: We need to shift gears to improve our results.
6. Turn the corner
Meaning: Pass a critical point
Example: Our project turned the corner with the new manager.
7. Change tack
Meaning: Alter approach
Example: We changed tack to focus on sustainability.
8. Go through a phase
Meaning: Experience a temporary change
Example: He’s just going through a phase right now.
9. Make waves
Meaning: Cause significant change
Example: Her speech made waves across the industry.
10. Reinvent the wheel
Meaning: Innovate redundantly
Example: We don’t need to reinvent the wheel here.
11. Start from scratch
Meaning: Begin anew
Example: We started from scratch after the fire.
12. Throw a curveball
Meaning: Introduce a surprising change
Example: The new policy really threw us a curveball.
13. Turn the tables
Meaning: Reverse positions
Example: They turned the tables in the second half.
14. Upend the status quo
Meaning: Disrupt the current state
Example: The election upended the status quo.
15. Rock the boat
Meaning: Disturb the existing situation
Example: He’s always rocking the boat with wild ideas.
16. Cross the Rubicon
Meaning: Pass a point of no return
Example: She crossed the Rubicon with that decision.
17. Push the envelope
Meaning: Extend current limits
Example: He’s always pushing the envelope in design.
18. Back to square one
Meaning: Return to the start
Example: It’s back to square one with this project.
19. Blaze a trail
Meaning: Innovate or pioneer
Example: She blazed a trail for other women in science.
20. Change of heart
Meaning: Alter opinion or feelings
Example: He had a change of heart about selling the house.