hard pivot
A sudden and complete change in direction, strategy, or focus, often in a business or personal context. It involves abandoning a previous plan to pursue a completely different one.
“After realizing he hated law school, he made a hard pivot and started a bakery.”
“The tech giant made a hard pivot toward artificial intelligence after their social media platform saw a decline in active users.”
“The administration's hard pivot on environmental policy surprised many stakeholders who had expected a more gradual transition toward renewable energy mandates.”
first recorded 21st c.
The term originates from the physical action of pivoting in sports like basketball, where a player keeps one foot planted while rotating their body to change direction. In a business context, the term 'pivot' was popularized by Eric Ries in his 2011 book 'The Lean Startup' to describe a structured course correction. The addition of 'hard' emphasizes the abruptness and total nature of the shift, often used when a company or individual realizes their current path is no longer viable.
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bone hard
As hard as a bone, rock hard.
- 02
cold hard cash
Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.
- 03
die hard
Of a living being, to die only after a desperate struggle for life.
- 04
drive a hard bargain
To negotiate forcefully.
- 05
give someone a hard time
To cause difficulty or make trouble for someone.
- 06
go hard with someone
To lead to someone suffering; to place someone in difficulty or danger.
- 07
hard as nails
Very unsympathetic; callous
- 08
hard at work
Labouring with great effort and diligence; working hard.
Last updated September 28, 2026