change the channel

Meaning

Literally, this means to switch the television station you are watching to a different one using a remote control. Figuratively, it can mean to change the topic of a conversation when the current subject becomes boring, uncomfortable, or repetitive.

Examples

• If you don't like this talk show, we can change the channel.

  If you don't like this talk show, we can change the channel.

• Can you hand me the remote? I want to change the channel to see the news.

  Can you hand me the remote? I want to change the channel to see the news.

• This movie is getting really boring; let's change the channel.

  This movie is getting really boring; let's change the channel.

• My dad always falls asleep on the couch but wakes up the moment I try to change the channel.

  My dad always falls asleep on the couch but wakes up the moment I try to change the channel.

• When they started arguing about politics, she quickly tried to change the channel of the conversation.

  When they started arguing about politics, she quickly tried to change the channel of the conversation.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Please change the TV program.

  ✓ Please change the channel.

  While 'program' refers to a specific show, native speakers say 'change the channel' to refer to switching the station.

• ✗ I want to change the canal to watch sports.

  ✓ I want to change the channel to watch sports.

  'Canal' is a physical waterway (like the Suez Canal). The television station is always called a 'channel'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I'm tired of watching this documentary. Can we please ___?

  💡 Switch to a different TV station.

  Show answer

  change the channel

• He didn't want to talk about his exam results, so he tried to ___.

  💡 Figuratively change the topic of conversation.

  Show answer

  change the channel