Meaning & use
changing tack
Last updated
“changing tack” is a form of “change tack”.
Meaning
phraseidiom
Adopting a different approach or method, especially in order to achieve a goal.
Grammar: Used as an intransitive phrase; it does not take an object.
After the first plan failed, they tried changing tack and focusing on customer feedback.
The government is changing tack on its economic policy.
Changing tack mid-project can be risky but sometimes necessary.
Common combinations
- try changing tack
- If sales don't improve, we should try changing tack.
- change tack on something
- The company changed tack on its marketing strategy.
- a change of tack
- A change of tack might be needed to solve this problem.
Synonyms and how they differ
- change direction
- More general; can refer to physical movement or a shift in focus, while 'change tack' specifically means altering a strategy or method.
- shift gears
- Often implies a change in speed or intensity rather than a completely new approach.
Opposites
Word family
- tack noun
- A course of action or a sailing maneuver.
Commonly confused: changing tack or change tact?
changing tack vs change tact
A common misspelling; 'tact' means sensitivity in dealing with others, not a change of approach.
Practice
The negotiations were going nowhere, so the manager decided to ___ and offer a different deal.
Choose one answer.
'Change tack' is the correct idiom meaning to try a different approach. 'Change tact' is a misspelling, and the other options are not standard phrases.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “changing tack”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.