a variation on the theme of (something)

a variation on the theme of (something)

A different or unique way of doing, saying, or presenting something that has been done in the past. The new restaurant offers a variation on the theme of the roadside diner, giving patrons haute-cuisine interpretations of greasy spoon staples. When asked why, his answer was a variation on the theme of "bigger is better." The anthology series presents variations on the themes of classic genre tropes, such as westerns, Gothic thrillers, rom-coms, and even old cheesy B movies.
See also: of, on, theme, variation
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

variations on the theme of something

different ways of doing or saying the same thing: Her new book of short stories offers variations on the theme of man’s desire to succeed.
See also: of, on, something, theme, variation
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • theme
  • variation
  • variations on the theme of something
  • a peg on which to hang (something)
  • a peg on which to hang something
  • a peg to hang (something) on
  • a peg to hang a matter on
  • a peg to hang something on
  • two-faced
  • surprise (one) with (something)