PhrasesHub

Change tack

    Definitions

      • change strategy or approach
        To change direction or approach in order to achieve a different result or reach a different outcome

      • shift focus or attention
        To redirect one's attention or efforts onto a different aspect or aspect of a situation or problem

      • make a course correction
        To make adjustments or changes to one's course of action in response to changing circumstances or obstacles

    Examples of Change tack

    • The sales team's initial strategy of targeting middle-aged professionals was not yielding the desired results. After analyzing the data, they decided to change tack and focus on a younger demographic instead.

      'Change tack' is a figurative expression that means to alter one's approach or strategy in response to changing circumstances. In this example, the sales team realized that their original plan was not working and decided to change their approach by targeting a different demographic.

    • The company's CEO announced that they would be changing tack in their marketing strategy, shifting their focus from traditional advertising to digital marketing.

      Here, 'changing tack' is used to describe a decision to switch from one marketing approach to another in response to changing market conditions or consumer behavior.

    • The politician faced a major scandal that threatened to derail his campaign. In order to salvage his chances, he decided to change tack and apologize publicly for his actions.

      'Change tack' can also be used to describe a decision to alter one's behavior or response in order to avoid negative consequences or mitigate damage. In this example, the politician recognized that his previous approach was not working and decided to change his behavior by apologizing publicly.

    • The team's coach noticed that his players were struggling to adapt to a new formation. In order to help them succeed, he decided to change tack and simplify the strategy.

      'Change tack' can also be used to describe a decision to alter one's approach in order to better suit the needs or abilities of a group or individual. In this example, the coach recognized that his players were having difficulty with a complex strategy and decided to simplify it in order to help them succeed.

    • The writer had been struggling to complete her novel for months. After seeking feedback from a trusted editor, she decided to change tack and rewrite the entire story from a different perspective.

      'Change tack' can also be used to describe a decision to alter one's approach in order to improve the quality or effectiveness of a project or task. In this example, the writer recognized that her original approach was not working and decided to change her perspective in order to improve the quality of her novel.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "change tack" is most commonly used to convey the idea of changing direction or approach in order to achieve a different result or reach a different outcome. It can also be used to describe a shift in focus or attention, as well as making course corrections in response to unforeseen challenges or obstacles.

    This idiom is often used in situations where a particular strategy or approach is not proving successful and a change is needed in order to achieve the desired outcome. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe any shift in direction or approach, whether in a personal or professional context.

    Origin of "Change tack"

    The origin of the idiom "change tack" can be traced back to sailing terminology. In sailing, the word "tack" refers to the direction in which a ship is sailing, and changing tack means to change the direction of the ship in order to navigate around obstacles or to take advantage of the wind. This nautical term was first used figuratively in the early 19th century, and has since become a commonly used idiom in everyday language.

    The phrase "change tack" is also closely related to the idiom "change course," which has a similar meaning of changing direction or approach. However, "change tack" is often used in a more specific and deliberate sense, implying a conscious decision to change direction or strategy, while "change course" can also refer to a more gradual or natural change. Both idioms ultimately convey the idea of adapting and adjusting in order to achieve a desired outcome.