change of scenery

American  

[cheynj uhv see-nuh-ree] / ˈtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈsi nə ri /

noun

1. a shift, usually temporary, from one’s ordinary surroundings to somewhere desirably different, as a shift from one’s daily routine in an office to a week’s vacation at the seashore.

   He’s been fly fishing every weekend since his doctor told him he needs a change of scenery.

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Etymology

Origin of change of scenery

First recorded in 1740–45

Example Sentences

But where their previous schools saw disappointment, May saw a potentially unstoppable tandem that needed a change of scenery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

In a follow-up Zoom call from his home in Amsterdam, he confides that he almost felt like giving up, but figured maybe a change of scenery was what he needed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

Rashford, who is set to play in his first El Clasico against Real Madrid this weekend, believes he is benefiting from a change of scenery.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

She could use some time alone, and Glenn could use a forced change of scenery — even if it’s under false pretenses.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

I was still practicing law, but the specificity of the work and the change of scenery distracted me just enough from the bigger questions beginning to bubble up in my mind.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama