Change horses in midstream
Meaning
To make a major alteration or replace a leader during an ongoing, critical, or difficult undertaking.
Origin
The phrase gained widespread prominence during the American Civil War, most famously articulated by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Facing intense pressure and a challenging re-election campaign amidst the ongoing conflict, Lincoln famously remarked, "I am reminded of a story… a man who was crossing a stream, and when he was in the middle, his horse floundered and he was nearly drowned. He said to himself, 'I'll not change horses in midstream.'" This vivid metaphor, appealing to common sense and the dangers of altering leadership during a crisis, was a powerful argument against replacing him when the Union was deeply embroiled in war, ensuring the phrase cemented its place in American political lexicon and beyond.
Examples
- Despite mounting criticism, the board decided not to change horses in midstream by replacing the CEO during the crucial merger negotiations.
- The project manager warned against completely redesigning the software now, reminding the team that it's often unwise to change horses in midstream.