dance to a different tune

dance to a different tune

1. To change one's behavior. I'm hoping that a week or two of detention will have these rambunctious students dancing to a different tune.
2. To do something, act, or behave in a manner that does not conform to the standard, prevalent, or popular societal norm. My brother's eschewed the idea of a full-time career and has had every oddball job you could think of, but then he's always been happy dancing to a different tune. Look, I respect the fact that you like to dance to a different tune, but do you have to make a point of doing everything in such a contrarian way?
See also: dance, different, tune
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • dance to another tune
  • a change of scene
  • whistle a different tune
  • tune
  • in tune
  • (one's) bark is worse than (one's) bite
  • (one's) day in court
  • (from) top to toe
  • (there's) no peace/rest for the wicked
  • (one's) old man