to start using a different method for dealing with a situation, especially in the way that you communicate.

I've been very pleasant with them so far but if they don't cooperate, I may have to change tack.

Instead of always asking him what he wants, why don't you try a different tack and tell him what you want?

• put your house in order
• put your life in hands
• put your life in someone's hands
• put your life on the line
• put your mind to it
• put your money on someone
• put your money on something
• put your money where mouth is
• put your money where your mouth is
• put your neck on the block
• put your neck on the line
• put your oar in
• put your own house in order
• put yourself in place
• put yourself in someone's place
• put yourself through
• put yourself through something
• put your shirt on
• put your shirt on something
• put your shoulder to the wheel
• put your thinking cap on
• put your two cents in
• put your two cents worth in
• puzzle out
• puzzle out something