# seismic shift

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/seismic-shift
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A fundamental reorientation of a state of affairs.

## Examples

- The new law caused a seismic shift in how we work.
- The invention of the internet created a seismic shift in how people communicate and share information globally.
- The sudden collapse of the national economy triggered a seismic shift in the political landscape, forcing leaders to rethink their long-term strategies.

## Origin

Derived from the geological observation of massive earthquakes, the phrase functions as an allusion to the drastic and permanent alterations to a landscape caused by tectonic movement.

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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.