改弦易辙

改弦易轍
gǎixián-yìzhé
idiom #87,754

Meanings

  1. 1 change the strings and switch the rut
  2. 2 to change course
  3. 3 to take a completely different approach

Examples

Gōngsī juédìng gǎixiányìzhé, zhuǎnxiàng xīn shìchǎng.
The company decided to change course and pivot to a new market.
Rúguǒ fāngfǎ bùduì, jiùyào jíshí gǎixiányìzhé.
If the approach is wrong, change course without delay.

Tips

history
Combines two metaphors from Tang/Song writing: swapping a zither's strings () and changing the cart's rut (). Both mean abandoning an established pattern for a new one.
usage
Formal, often used in commentary about strategy, policy, or organizational direction.

Stroke Order

gǎi
xián
zhé