sea change
Plural
sea changes
1
a complete or notable change compared to what the situation originally was
The idiom "sea change" originates from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," where Ariel sings, "Full fathom five thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made; Those are pearls that were his eyes: Nothing of him that doth fade, But doth suffer a sea-change." In the play, it signifies a transformation brought about by the sea, specifically the change of a human body into something different, like coral or pearls. Over time, this phrase has evolved and is now used to describe a profound, significant, or transformative change in various contexts, often related to a person's character, a situation, or a society.
- His travels around the world brought about a sea change in his perspective, making him more open-minded and understanding.
- The introduction of new technology resulted in a sea change in the way people communicate and conduct business.
- After a period of self-reflection and personal growth, she underwent a sea change in her attitude and became more compassionate.
- The political landscape saw a sea change when the new leader took office, introducing radical reforms and policies.
- The company's restructuring brought about a sea change in its corporate culture and efficiency, leading to increased productivity and success.