ENGLISH
REFERENCE

change horses in midstream

idiom
Meaning

To change one's plan or approach when an effort is already underway or at another inopportune time.


Origin

disputed origin

Popularized by Abraham Lincoln.

Examples
SIMPLE

It is too late to change horses in midstream now.

CONTEXTUAL

We are halfway through the project, so it is a bad time to change horses in midstream.

COMPLEX

Although the current strategy shows few results, the board fears that to change horses in midstream would only invite further chaos.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    and change

    And some quantity, but less than the increment to the next round number.

  2. 02

    change collars

    To change or shift one's career path.

  3. 03

    change hands

    To become the property of someone else; to be bought or sold.

  4. 04

    change of clothes

    A set of clothes in addition to those already worn.

  5. 05

    change of heart

    A change of one's opinion, belief or decision.

  6. 06

    change of life

    Menopause.

  7. 07

    change of pace

    A shift from one activity to another

  8. 08

    change of scenery

    A movement from one location to another.

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