a game-changer

a significant event which completely changes the rules of the game

TRANSLATION

a game-changer = Regelbruch als strategische Methode, Veränderung der Spielregeln, Paradigmenwechsel, radikale/bahnbrechende Änderung, Technik zum Durchbruch gegen bekannte traditionelle Alternativen, Killerapplikation --- GOOGLE INDEX a game-changer: approximately 13,900,000 hits

STATISTICS

IN THE PRESS

Nintendo's new Wii U aims to be a GAME-CHANGER. Games giant believes the Wii U, complete with touchscreen, HD, camera and phone, will compete with rivals Microsoft and Sony.

The Guardian

Did you
know?

game-changer
noun phrase

- a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

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According to Ben Zimmer, language columnist for The Wall Street Journal, the first mention of the term game-changer came from The Atlanta Constitution’s "Bridge Forum" on June 29, 1930, in an article reporting on attempts to improve the game of bridge: "Seldom are the game-changers idle."

William Safire, at The New York Times, also provides a number of references to the phrase in recent decades, primarily from sports reporting, where athletes really do change the outcome of the game with a good play, pass or score.

Now the expression firmly belongs in the area of business jargon, and is mainly used when talking about innovation.

Here are other game-changing "game" idioms:

- ahead of the game = to have an advantage (We will need more financing if we want to stay ahead of the game)

- game plan = strategy (Let's hold a meeting to inform the team of our game plan for the product launch)

- not all fun and games = serious work (I know the assignment is in Las Vegas, but it's not all fun and games, you know)

- play games = be dishonest or deceive someone (I'm afraid Charlie's playing games with you)

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SYNONYMS

big idea, innovation, shift in thinking

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SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation

"For many suppliers in the car industry autonomous vehicles will be a real game-changer."

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