Changer de cap


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French Expression

Meaning	to change tack, course, direction
Register	normal
Pronunciation		[sha(n) zhay deuh kahp]
IPA		[ʃã ʒe də kap]

Usage notes: The French expression changer de cap means "to change course, alter direction" both literally and figuratively. Le cap means “tack” or “heading,” as in the direction of a ship or plane, so the original expression is from navigation as is its antonym tenir son cap – “to maintain direction, keep heading in the same direction."

Figuratively, le cap can be any sort of objective (personal, professional, strategic), so changer de cap means to change one’s direction/goal.

Antonyms: tenir le cap or maintenir le cap – to stick with, continue working toward an objective, to maintain a strategy.

Par exemple…

Après avoir étudié la crise, le groupe a décidé de changer de cap.		After having studied the crisis, the group decided to change course / strategy.
Mon diplôme n’a aucune valeur, je dois changer de cap.		My diploma is worthless, I need to change direction / try something new.