changing the channel
Selecting different programming
Changing the channel is switching from one television or radio station to another, typically with a remote control.
The phrase extends to any abrupt shift in topic or focus: When she brought up his ex, he started changing the channel.
It suggests avoidance—deliberately redirecting attention away from something uncomfortable.
- program guideBroadcast schedule publication
- cable boxTelevision signal decoder
- remote controlWireless device operator
- televisionBroadcast viewing device
- redirectingSending elsewhere
flipping through · mute · turning it off · pivoting · pause · DVR · adapting · zapping · smart TV · refocusing · playback · antenna · set-top box · rewind · reorienting · fast-forward · transitioning · reprioritizing
change, changing, changed, changer, changes, changeable, unchanged, unchanging, interchange