Change & Transformation: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that everything that happens or exists has already been experienced or observed in some form before

"This is not new — there is nothing new under the sun."

"The so-called revolutionary business model had been tried before — there is nothing new under the sun."

used to imply that a new person, who is not yet set in their ways, is more efficient and effective in implementing change than someone who has been in the position for a long time

"New leaders always make changes at first — a new broom sweeps clean."

"The incoming director restructured three departments in her first month — a new broom sweeps clean."

used to encourage individuals to recognize and appreciate the fact that every historical period or generation has a unique perspective and approach to understanding the world

"Each generation has its own ideas — every age has its book."

"The management philosophy that dominated the nineties felt outdated today — every age has its book."

used to suggest that the greatest successes or pleasures in life can sometimes lead to the greatest failures or disappointments

"The best things can turn bad — from the sweetest wine, the tartest vinegar."

"The most promising partnership eventually became the bitterest rivalry — from the sweetest wine, the tartest vinegar."

used to suggest that conditions and circumstances are always changing, and that relying on past successes or achievements is not a guarantee of future success

"The past is gone — there are no birds in last year's nest."

"The old market no longer existed — there are no birds in last year's nest."

used to say that as time passes, people may adapt and change to new circumstances and situations, including societal norms and standards

"The world changes and so must we — times change and we with time."

"The company adapted its entire model to the new digital landscape — times change and we with time."

used to imply that it is important to seek out and embrace new experiences, activities, and pleasures in life to keep things interesting and enjoyable

"Try something different every week — variety is the spice of life."

"She rotated her team's responsibilities regularly, believing that variety is the spice of life and key to engagement."

used to imply that it is very difficult or impossible to change something that is already set in its ways

"New ideas do not fit old systems — you cannot put new wine into old bottles."

"The modern approach was being forced into an outdated structure — you cannot put new wine into old bottles."

used to suggest that every negative period will eventually be followed by a positive period, and vice versa, suggesting that life is a constant cycle of ups and downs

"Every rise has a fall — every flow has its ebb."

"The industry boom was followed by a sharp contraction — every flow has its ebb."