Idioms are like secret codes or puzzles that adults use to express themselves in a fun and interesting way. This blog post will help you unlock the meaning of these codes by explaining 20 idioms about change. Each idiom will be explained simply with an example sentence to show you how to use it. This way, you can start using these secret codes yourself!
Idioms about Change
Here are 20 change idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: Start behaving in a better way
Example: He decided to turn over a new leaf and study harder.
2. Break new ground
Meaning: Do something innovative
Example: The scientist broke new ground with her research.
3. A breath of fresh air
Meaning: Something refreshing
Example: Her new approach was a breath of fresh air.
4. Change of heart
Meaning: Change in one’s feelings or opinions
Example: She had a change of heart and forgave him.
5. Reinvent the wheel
Meaning: Create something that already exists
Example: They did not need to reinvent the wheel.
6. Shake things up
Meaning: To do things differently
Example: It’s time to shake things up at work.
7. Start from scratch
Meaning: Begin from the beginning
Example: He started from scratch and built a successful business.
8. Turn the corner
Meaning: Pass a critical point
Example: The company finally turned the corner.
9. Turn the tide
Meaning: Reverse the course of events
Example: His speech turned the tide of the debate.
10. Go back to the drawing board
Meaning: Start again from the beginning
Example: After the failure, they went back to the drawing board.
11. Change tack
Meaning: Adopt a different approach
Example: They changed tack to improve sales.
12. Move the goalposts
Meaning: Change the rules or targets
Example: They moved the goalposts at the last minute.
13. Up the ante
Meaning: Increase what is at stake or the risks
Example: They upped the ante with a bigger bet.
14. A sea change
Meaning: A significant transformation
Example: The new law marked a sea change in public opinion.
15. Turn upside down
Meaning: Completely change the order of things
Example: The news turned his world upside down.
16. A new lease on life
Meaning: Renewed energy or enthusiasm
Example: After the surgery, he had a new lease on life.
17. Out with the old, in with the new
Meaning: Replace old things with new
Example: It’s time to go out with the old, in with the new.
18. Change stripes
Meaning: Change one’s nature
Example: Can a leopard really change its stripes?
19. Crossroads
Meaning: A point of decision or a critical moment
Example: She was at a crossroads in her career.
20. Throw a curveball
Meaning: Do something surprising or unexpected
Example: Life threw him a curveball with sudden changes.
