change of scene

a change of scene

A change in one's usual surroundings, perhaps precipitating a change in one's life. It is most often used when one is moving to a new place. The similar phrase "a change of scenery" is also common. I decided to move across the country for college because I really wanted a change of scene after growing up in this small town. Heather's looking for a new job because, after 10 years at that company, she needs a change of scene.
See also: change, of, scene
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

change of scene (or scenery)

a move to different surroundings.
See also: change, of, scene
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

change of scene, a

New surroundings, referring to a trip or vacation, new employment, or similar event. The term comes from the theater, where changing the scenery has been important since Shakespeare’s time. The figurative use of “scene” dates at least from the seventeenth century. “Through all the changing scenes of life,” wrote Nicholas Brady and Nahum Tate in their New Versions of the Psalms (1696).
See also: change, of
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • change of scene, a
  • a change of scene
  • a change of scenery
  • scenery
  • change of scenery
  • do an about-face
  • change mind
  • change one's mind
  • change your mind
  • changed my mind
References in classic literature
-- As soon as all business matters are settled, I am going abroad for some months, to try the relief of change of scene. The house will be shut up, and left under the charge of Mrs.
Princess Mary asked the countess to let Natasha go with her to Moscow, and both parents gladly accepted this offer, for they saw their daughter losing strength every day and thought that a change of scene and the advice of Moscow doctors would be good for her.
Change of scene and change of occupation may really be the salvation of him at this crisis in his life.
Change of scene might be of service-- and perhaps a little relief from home may be as useful as anything."
Then there was a change of scene; for no sooner had he caught sight of Raoul's face, than the old man sprang up and set off in the direction of the house, amidst interrupted growlings, which appeared to be paroxysms of wild delight.
During the two years that had elapsed previous to their marriage my father had gradually relinquished all his public functions; and immediately after their union they sought the pleasant climate of Italy, and the change of scene and interest attendant on a tour through that land of wonders, as a restorative for her weakened frame.
Now, I don't set sufficient store on the cut of my jerkin to risk being hung at Tyburn or sent for change of scene to the Indies.
'Agnes, this sea air and change of scene do you no good, I think: I never saw you look so wretched.
"We are going to try a little change of scene," said the Admiral.
His sister informed inquiring friends that she accompanied him, in the hope of finding consolation in change of scene after the bereavement that had fallen on her.
I knew why the iron tree had returned, in this third change of scene!...
And he hung his hat up on Bruno, who was standing in the middle of the room, too much astonished by the sudden change of scene to make any attempt at removing it, though it came down to his shoulders, making him look something like a small candle with a large extinguisher over it.
The horrors of the last few hours had played such havoc with Mimi's nerves, that a change of scene was imperative--if a permanent breakdown was to be avoided.
Her memory was her worst enemy; her one refuge from it was in change of occupation and change of scene.
But Volumnia the fair, being subject to the prevalent complaint of boredom and finding that disorder attacking her spirits with some virulence, ventures at length to repair to the library for change of scene. Her gentle tapping at the door producing no response, she opens it and peeps in; seeing no one there, takes possession.