change the channel
Find something else
To change the channel is to switch from one television or radio station to another: Change the channel—I can't stand this show.
Figuratively, it means to shift attention or topic abruptly: When she started crying, he just changed the channel and talked about work.
The phrase evokes the deliberate avoidance of something uncomfortable or boring.
- remoteDistant or controller
- entertainmentAgreeable diversion of attention
- zappingDelivering sudden voltage
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- remote controlWireless device operator
flip through · alteration · television · modification · attention span · distraction · short attention · multitasking · impulse · couch potato · background noise · surfing · commercial break · boredom · transition · shift · interruption · turn off
change, channel, changes, changed, changing, changeable, unchangeable, changeling, interchange