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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of change of pace¹

First recorded in 1650–60; 1865–70 change of pace for def. 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

While the last half-hour is wall-to-wall, madcap action, the entire film is such a refreshing change of pace and tone from Aronofsky’s typically dour material that it feels like the director is intentionally turning a page.

From Salon

They got six strong innings from Clayton Kershaw; plus, in a refreshing change of pace, plenty of crisp, clean defense behind him.

From Los Angeles Times

The Rams drafted Stewart in the third round from Michigan as a change of pace to fortify the pass rush.

From Los Angeles Times

The Times was kind in its opening coverage, praising the park’s change of pace from Disneyland and admiring how its architecture blurred fiction and reality.

From Los Angeles Times

Mix in a curveball when a change of pace is needed.

From Los Angeles Times