swapping horses in midstream
Changing course dangerously
Swapping horses in midstream means changing plans, leaders, or methods in the middle of a difficult undertaking—when such a change is risky or inadvisable.
The image is of a rider dismounting one horse to mount another while crossing a river, an obviously perilous maneuver.
Often used in political contexts: You don't swap horses in midstream during a war.
The phrase typically argues against change, though it can also justify a necessary switch despite the risks.
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
- precariousnessState of uncertain stability
- pivotPoint of rotation
- successionFollowing in order
- regime changeReplacement of governing power
shifting sands · transition · recalibration · compromise · improvisation · flying blind · leap of faith · risky move · instability · rolling with the punches · vulnerability · contingency · reorganization · jumping ship · adaptation · volatility · unpredictability · point of no return
swapping horses in midstreamsticking with it
following through · keeping the faith · persevering · doubling down · staying put
swapped, swapper, swapping, horses, horsed, horsing, horsey, horseman, horsewoman