shift gears
Verb
Meaning
To change the gear by which motion is transmitted from a powered shaft to another shaft, especially in a motor vehicle.
(idiomatic) To change pace or mode of operation.
Source: en.wiktionary.orgSynonyms
Related terms
Examples
It was difficult every ten days having a new director. I'm a real collaborator and, as an actor, I want to be directed. It's hard for me to shift gears.
The Obama administration rarely demonstrated the ability to shift gears and change policy in its first year. Even in the face of historic events such as the continuing demonstrations against Iran's regime, it stuck devotedly to prior plans.
I'm able to shift gears from mom to performer to mom pretty quickly.