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Region: General | Usage example: After seeing the data, she began to sing a different tune.

Sing a different tune

Meaning

Change one's opinion or attitude.

Usage

Used when someone reverses course.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Musical metaphor for altering one's song.

Widely used in 19th-century prose and newspapers.

Related Idioms

Change your tune

Shift one's attitude, often toward a previously opposed idea.

March to a different drum

Do things differently from the majority.

Call the tune

Control the direction of a situation.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.