change the subject

change the subject

To introduce a different topic of discussion, usually intentionally. I changed the subject after that last remark made Jeff and Bill visibly tense. Don't try to change the subject—I know one of you kids dented my car!
See also: change, subject
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

change the subject

to begin talking about something different. They changed the subject suddenly when the person whom they had been discussing entered the room. We'll change the subject if we are embarrassing you.
See also: change, subject
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

change the subject

Deliberately talk about another topic, as in If someone asks you an embarrassing question, just change the subject. This term uses subject in the sense of "a topic of conversation," a usage dating from the late 1500s.
See also: change, subject
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

change the ˈsubject

start to talk about something different, especially because what was being discussed was embarrassing or difficult to talk about: I don’t like talking about the war. Can’t we change the subject?
See also: change, subject
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • eavesdrop
  • eavesdrop on
  • eavesdrop on (someone or something)
  • and the band played on
  • band
  • baby bump
  • I like pie
  • gross-out
  • yea tall
  • dead weight
References in periodicals archive
Sanchez ignored the comment but later called it "a way for a beautiful woman to get a guy to change the subject".
Charlize demands TV snog
Say it firmly so they know you mean it and then change the subject.
'How do I get out of going to workmate's sex toy party?'
If one girl trashes the other, say as clearly and comfortably as you can, "I know you don't like her, but I do." Then, change the subject. Your friends won't all like each other, and you won't like all your friends' friends.
Best friend brawl
MARRIAGE has come up a few times in chats with my girlfriend and so far I've managed to change the subject.
Dear MIRIAM: Sick of dull sex
If he tries to change the subject, you may wonder what he's hiding and will need to ask why he is being so secretive.
The Sex Doctor: Is hubby a cheat?
When we went swimming I saw a bald patch but when I mentioned it to her she got so wound-up I had to change the subject.
Dear Rachael: My girl pulls her hair out
Bush's administration, cynical Republicans are desperate to change the subject. Who can blame them for trying to get us to focus on manned space flights to Mars and same-sex marriage?
Civil marriage, civil rights
And if you're Shell Oil, famed for your bloody ties to Nigeria, you change the subject entirely and run a bizarrely irrelevant ad campaign to stop young people from driving while eating food and talking to friends in an animated manner.
Good Cause, Inc
Demonstrating this empathy tends to build rapport and, in time, change the subject's behavior.
Crisis intervention: using active listening skills in negotiations
Deirdre and Ken try desperately to change the subject - what with Tracy being as guilty as hell and everything.
Your LIFE: WE LOVE TELLY! - SOAPWATCH CORONATION STREET ITV1, 7.30pm