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Glite Dictionary
to shift the dial

to shift the dial

7.2
To make a clear change in a situation or result
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : cambiar la situación
  • Environmentalists are urging lawmakers to shift the dial on climate change policy.

Examples

  • The company hopes its new app will shift the dial in the crowded marketplace.

  • We need to shift the dial on climate change!

  • It will take more than minor improvements to shift the dial in our favor.

  • Can we shift the dial on this project?

  • The new policy is designed to shift the dial on climate change initiatives.

  • Her innovative approach helped shift the dial towards more sustainable practices in the industry.

  • By raising awareness about the issue, he aims to shift the dial in public opinion.

Synonyms

to make a difference
vsto shift the dial
482 2.8

Cause a clear, positive change in a situation or person

is similar yet neutral on value, it simply denotes a strong noticeable impact
to swing
vsto shift the dial
  • Jargon
51 4.5

Make people change their opinion or a decision

is broader and applies to systems and events, not only people or votes
to change the course of
vsto shift the dial
33 4.4

To cause something to happen in a different way or direction

is broader, focusing on noticeable impact rather than only altering direction
to turn the tide
vsto shift the dial
15 4.2

Cause a big change that makes things much better

is similar but is not about reversal, focusing on clear noticeable impact
to flip the switch
vsto shift the dial
11 3.5

Cause a sudden change, for example by moving a small control to turn something on

is about causing strong noticeable impact but not always instantly or by one act
to change the game
vsto shift the dial
10 4.0

To make a big difference in a situation that gives a clear advantage

has major effect but focuses less on rewriting rules and more on clear impact
to move the needle
vsto shift the dial
  • Jargon
8 6.2

To make a clear change in results or numbers

is the same idea but more about broad noticeable effect than exact measurement
to turn up on its ear
vsto shift the dial
  • US
8.6

To change a situation completely and suddenly

is a strong impact but usually less chaotic and more controlled in result

Antonyms

to stagnate
19 6.8

To stop growing or changing and stay the same, like water in a pond

How Much

to transform
523 3.4
to shift the dial
7.2
to move the needle
  • Jargon
8 6.2
to nudge
33 3.8

Surface Forms

shift the dial infinitive
shifted the dial past
shifted the dial past participle
shifting the dial present participle
shifts the dial third person singular

Morphology

shift + the + dial

The combination of 'shift' (move/change) and 'dial' (a control or indicator) directly suggests a literal action of changing a control, so learners who know the words can infer it means to change something. However, the specific pragmatic sense 'cause a significant or noticeable impact' requires a metaphorical mapping from moving a physical control to affecting an abstract outcome, which is not fully predictable without exposure; therefore it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

The phrase shift the dial may come from radios or meters where you shift a dial to change a setting; even a small move can change things a lot. So to shift the dial means 'to make a noticeable or significant change'.