WORD MEANING
Change tack meaning
CHAYNJ tak · verb phrase
To alter one's course or approach, especially in sailing or in a figurative sense of changing strategy or direction.
See all 16 words from the August 9, 2026 puzzle →Other meanings
A sailing maneuver involving turning the bow of the boat through the wind to change direction.
A phrase used metaphorically to indicate shifting plans or opinions.
An idiomatic expression meaning to switch tactics or methods.
The term is commonly used in nautical contexts but also appears in everyday language to describe changing plans or strategies.
Examples
The captain decided to change tack to avoid the storm.
After the meeting, we had to change tack and focus on a new strategy.