change of pace

[ cheynj uhv peys ]

noun

1. temporary shift or variation in a normal routine or regular pattern of activity:

   Reading a mystery novel has been a real change of pace for me.

2. Baseball: Older Use. changeup ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of change of pace¹

First recorded in 1650–60; 1865–70 change of pace fordef 2

Idioms and Phrases

A shift in normal routine, a variation in usual activities or pattern, as in She's smiling in that one photo, just for a change of pace , or After six hours at my desk I need a change of pace, so I'm going for a swim . This term originated in a number of sports where strategy can involve altering the speed of, for example, a pitched or struck ball or a horse's gait. By the mid-1900s it was being transferred to other enterprises.

Example Sentences

And a nice change of pace, especially with a comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

But "it was very difficult to start again from the ground up," she says - and definitely a change of pace from The Receipts.

From BBC

Alexander, who has covered stories including presidential politics and hurricanes, is welcoming the change of pace.

From Los Angeles Times

After the interruption video went viral, Joshi felt there was “a huge change of pace” with the Biden administration.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a stunning change of pace for the Party of Perpetual Hand-Wringing, a cautious body which usually approaches elections with the seriousness of a bomb squad dismantling an explosive device.

From Los Angeles Times