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Change the Channel

What Does "Change the Channel" Mean?

homeidiomsChange the Channel
"Change the channel" is an English idiom. It means 1. to switch to a different subject or topic (often abruptly), or 2. to literally changing the TV channel.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "change the channel" used in a sentence:
  • 1. When he started talking about his health problems, I quickly changed the channel.
  • 1. Will you change the channel? You're always talking about your work!
  • 2. Don't like this show? Here's the remote, change the channel.
  • 2. Whenever politics comes up, he changes the channel.
meaning for change the channel

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Change the Channel" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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