# change horses in midstream

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/change-horses-in-midstream
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- It is too late to change horses in midstream now.
- We are halfway through the project, so it is a bad time to change horses in midstream.
- Although the current strategy shows few results, the board fears that to change horses in midstream would only invite further chaos.

## Origin

Popularized by Abraham Lincoln.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.