reset the dial

Definitions

To change something radically; to reform or revolutionize something.

UK, idiomatic, often

Examples

“While contemporary designers give⟳ us trends, Quant reset the dial on the way we get⟳ dressed. Under her influence⟳, women rejected their parents’ vision of beauty and embraced their own⟳.”

“He said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to play⟳ a part in major new media innovations, from the birth of Sun Online to most recently Times Radio, which has reset the dial on what quality news radio can achieve⟳, and I’m pleased to be still playing a part on the station.”

“With the NHS struggling to clear huge surgical and screening backlogs and facing continued pressure from Covid-related staff absences, it’s a tough time for it to take⟳ on another major challenge⟳. But ministers have⟳ promised to “reset the dial” on gender inequalities in healthcare, with the publication of the first ever government-led women’s health strategy.”

“Viewers have⟳ since been questioning whether Love⟳ Island producers – wary of replicating the toxic masculinity of earlier seasons – have⟳ in fact reset the dial too far, with many fans branding the women’s behaviour “toxic femininity”.”

CEFR level