In English, the verb ‘change’ means to alter or modify. Change is about making someone or something different, or perhaps replacing something. So, all these change idioms and sayings have the same theme.
It may be easy to guess the meaning of some of these expressions which include the word ‘change’. Others might be harder to understand, but we have included a definition for each and used it in a sentence to make things clearer.
This list will focus on idioms about change but there are plenty of idioms talking about the future that you may also find helpful while we’re on this topic.
Change idioms
A change of heart
If you have a change of heart, it means you no longer have the same opinion or thoughts about something. It may even be a complete reversal in how you feel or what you intend to do.
“After she heard all her friends had joined the drama club she had a change of heart and joined too.”
Change your tune
Some of these change idioms have much the same meaning. When you change your tune you simply adopt a different opinion or begin to act in a different way. It’s very similar to a change of heart.
“Oh, last week you were so certain it was want you wanted. Why have you changed your tune?”
Take a look at some more musical idioms here!
A change of scene / scenery
Change idioms can be about your personal characteristics or thoughts but this one is more about your surroundings. When you need a change of scene you are simply looking to move to different surroundings.
It could be something immediate, like spending some time away from your desk while at work. But this idiom about change can also be used to discuss bigger life choices, like getting a new job or moving to a new house, city, or even country!
‘I’ve been working and living in London for so long, I really need a change of scenery.”
This saying is similar to a ‘change is as good as a rest’, which is explained further down.
Sometimes, people achieve a temporary change of scene by taking a vacation. If this is what you are planning, take a look at some travel idioms too.
A leopard can’t change its spots
A leopard is a large wild cat born with yellow fur and beautiful black spots. These spots will stay with it for life. When you apply the fact that a leopard can’t change its spots to people, you are commenting that people can’t change their personalities or (bad) habits.
“Please don’t get back with your ex-boyfriend. No matter what he says, I believe that a leopard can’t change its spots.”
You may also hear different versions of this animal idiom including the fact that tigers or zebras can’t change their stripes. They all mean the same thing.
Also, did you know this expression has a Biblical connection? We have plenty of other Biblical idioms to look through as well.
You don’t change horses in the middle of the race
Here’s another of the idioms about change linked to politics or governments. It suggests that you shouldn’t change leaders or government when times are hard.
“The country needs a strong leader right now. It’s best we don’t change horses in the middle of the race.”
The saying you don’t change horses in the middle of the race was made popular by Abraham Lincoln in 1864.
A change is as good as a rest
The old English proverb a change is as good as a rest describes the fact that sometimes just modifying something like your job is as helpful as taking a break from it.
“Instead of quitting, why don’t you think about moving departments? A change may be as good as a rest.”
This is just one example of many good idioms in English.
The times they are a-changing
This is not so much of an idiom, but a popular saying made famous in the song of the same name, written by Bob Dylan. When people say that the times (they) are a-changing, they are simply referring to something changing over time; usually something to do with popular opinion, governments or laws.
“I’m glad we voted in a new school president. I can really feel that the times are a-changing!’
There are plenty more idioms about time which we have covered separately.
A chunk of change
When learning idioms about change, it’s important to know that ‘change’ can also have another meaning connected to money. While the noun ‘change’ usually refers to the money you receive back after paying for something, a chunk of change means a large amount of money.
“Your new car must have cost a chunk of change.”
Other times you may hear the word ‘change’ connected to money is when you pay for an item with an amount more than it is worth. You will receive the difference back so that you pay the correct amount. This returned money is your ‘change’. If you are given back less than was due to you, you could say you were ‘short-changed’.
‘Change’ can also refer to lower-value, lose coins. If someone needs some small coins, perhaps to put into a machine, they will ask you if you have any change. And someone might ask if you can spare some change if they are struggling financially and would like you to give them some money.
There are lots of other idioms about money for you to explore later.
More idioms about change
Break the mold
A mold is a hollow shape into which you pour a liquid such as plaster or jelly/jello. When it sets, it hardens to create a solid in the form of the mold.
When you break the mold, it means you are no longer being restricted by a particular expectation. You are doing something different to the norm instead of feeling the need to fit in or be the same as everyone else.
“I need to break the mold and try a new look.”
Reinvent the wheel
It’s said the wheel is the greatest invention of all time; therefore, there’s no need to recreate it. So to reinvent the wheel is to spend a lot of time and effort working on an alternative to something that is already fit for purpose.
“I know we are supposed to be pioneers in innovation, but there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.”
Turn over a new leaf
Most idioms about change are positive in their meaning. So when you turn over a new leaf you are saying you want to change, start anew or to act in a better way.
“I’m going to really try to turn over a new leaf next year.”
With the connection of leaves falling from the tree this expression may be used in autumn. In fact there are plenty of autumn and fall idioms to enjoy.
Start from scratch
When you start from scratch you simply start from the beginning or start all over again.
“I think it’s time we start from scratch as the first attempt didn’t work out well.”
Jump on the bandwagon
Do you know a friend who always joins in with something just because it’s popular? Or a friend who supports whichever team is currently winning? Then they would be accused of jumping on the bandwagon – changing their opinion and joining something simply because it’s fashionable and not because of a genuine interest.
“Just because Manchester United is winning the league, there’s no need to jump on the bandwagon and become a fan!”
If you know someone who behaves this way when it comes to clothing trends, especially if they don’t end up looking great, you could describe them as a fashion victim. Discover more fashion idioms in our separate article.
A clean sweep
A clean sweep refers to the type of change that is wide-reaching and affects everyone or everything caught in its path.
This kind of thing often happens in large companies. It could be a good thing (like everyone receiving a pay increase) or a bad thing (like lots of jobs being cut).
“In a clean sweep, the company is raising everyone’s wages by 3%.”
“That new consultant wants to make a clean sweep of the logistics department and replace the whole team!”
It’s interesting to see how many idioms about cleaning actually relate to change and new beginnings.
Out with the old, in with the new
This a great idiom about change which marks a turning point or milestone in the process. You could use it when making New Year’s resolutions, clearing out your home, or making changes at work.
Out with the old, in with the new applies to abandoning old ideas, ways, things or practices and replacing them with new items or a fresh way of being and thinking.
“I think the company is trying to make some changes in personnel. Out with the old, in with the new, so to speak!”
“She’ll never get over her ex while she still has all those things that remind her of him. It’s time for a clear out: out with the old, in with the new!”
Fresh blood / new blood / young blood
A lot of change idioms apply to work situations and are good examples of business idioms. Any of the versions fresh, new or young blood may be used when new people are brought into a company to help generate different ideas or alter the energy within a team.
“What the football team needs is fresh blood. Some new players would make a big difference.”
We hope you found this list of change idioms helpful and you’ll be able to use some new ones as you expand your English vocabulary. Once you have mastered these, take a look at some transition words which we also use to switch between ideas or talk about changes.
