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to change the game

to change the game

10 4.0
To make a big difference in a situation that gives a clear advantage
  • idiom
translation icon : cambiar las reglas del juego
  • The new app is designed to change the game for how we manage our finances.
  • change the game," says
  • really change the game
  • change the game a bit

That's the new insight that changes the game of struggle into harmony.

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Examples

  • But if we win, on our budget, with this team... we'll have changed the game.

  • So how is data changing the game for climate science?

  • I think this is something that most high performers practice, and it's something that changed the game for me when I started doing it.

  • Just believing you can do it, Jack, could change the game.

  • Now this changes the game, you know, Instagram, YouTube, you name it.

  • Obama's in a much better economic position now, and I think that changes the game.

    Blog text (29)
  • WolframAlpha gives them the reach they both need to change the game.

    Blog text (7)
  • Added Nelson, "Michelle Obama has changed the game for women of color."

    Blog text (6)
  • But I think long term, you know, these cars are so iconic, they've changed the game completely.

  • Two citywide ballot measures up for election this November could change the game.

    Blog text (20)

Synonyms

to turn the tide
vsto change the game
15 4.2

Cause a big change that makes things much better

alters rules or situation broadly rather than only reversing a trend
to change the course of history
vsto change the game
8 6.5

To make a big lasting change to what happens next

causes a major impact without necessarily affecting long term historical direction
to change the playing field
vsto change the game
1 6.2

Make the situation different so some people have a better chance to win

alters rules or the whole situation beyond just competition conditions
to shift the dial
vsto change the game
7.2

To make a clear change in a situation or result

alters underlying rules or whole situation rather than only measurable effects

Antonyms

151 4.6

The present situation in society, politics, or the economy

75 4.3

To become steady and stop changing

How Impactful

to transform
523 3.4
to change the game
10 4.0
to move the needle
  • Jargon
8 6.2

Surface Forms

change the game infinitive
changed the game past participle
changing the game present participle
changes the game third person singular

Morphology

change + the + game

The phrase combines the transparent verb 'change' (to alter) with 'game', so the basic idea of altering how something is played or organized can be inferred from the parts. However, 'game' is used metaphorically to mean a field of activity or set of rules, which may not be fully predictable to an average B1 learner without prior exposure, making the expression only partially compositional.

Etymology

The idiom change the game comes from sports: imagine a new rule or a single play that can change the whole game, so everyone must act in a new way. So, when something 'changes the game' it means 'to make a big difference' to how things happen.