switch gears
Shift your approach
To switch gears is to shift from one activity, topic, or approach to another.
The phrase comes from changing gears in a vehicle, but the figurative use dominates: Let's switch gears and talk about the budget.
It often signals an abrupt transition in conversation or work: I need to switch gears and focus on this deadline.
Movement or work period
- pivotPoint of rotation
- segueUnbroken passage between sections
- redirectSend in new direction
- refocusRedirect one's attention
reorient · move on · change course · change tack · new direction · detour · digression · tangent
Redirect one's attention
- concentrateReduced, potent form
- clear headUnclouded mental state
- buckle downApply oneself determinedly
- zone inConcentrate with intensity
tune in · engage · disengage · decompress · wind down · ramp up · psych up · get serious
Change to fit better
- recalibrateReset to accurate standard
- retoolUpdate machinery or methods
- readjustModify something anew
- resetRestore to original state
rethink · reframe · reprioritize · reassess · reconfigure · realign · regroup · pivot
Reduce pace or speed
- speed upIncrease velocity or rate
- accelerateIncrease in velocity
- decelerateReduce velocity
- ramp upIncrease intensity or pace
wind down · throttle · ease up · intensify · take it easy · downshift · upshift · brake
shift
Movement or work period
refocus · reorient · move on · change course · change tack · new direction · detour · digression · tangent · sidetrack
refocus
Redirect one's attention
- concentrateReduced, potent form
- clear headUnclouded mental state
- buckle downApply oneself determinedly
zone in · tune in · engage · disengage · decompress · wind down · ramp up · psych up · get serious · lighten up
adjust
Change to fit better
- recalibrateReset to accurate standard
- retoolUpdate machinery or methods
- readjustModify something anew
reset · rethink · reframe · reprioritize · reassess · reconfigure · realign · regroup · pivot · overhaul
slow down
Reduce pace or speed
- speed upIncrease velocity or rate
- accelerateIncrease in velocity
- decelerateReduce velocity
ramp up · wind down · throttle · ease up · intensify · take it easy · downshift · upshift · brake · coast
- adaptabilityadapt, flexibility, resilience, adaptability, pliability
- reversalsreverse, undo, revert, overturn, flip
switch gearsstay the course
Continue despite difficulties
keep going · stay on track · stick with it · keep at it · press on
switch, gear, switches, switched, switching, switcher, gears, geared, gearing