T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

A change is as good as a rest

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) Change is refreshing

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

A change is as good as a rest’ is a proverb that means you can get as much good from changing your regular occupation, or the job you do, as from having a rest.
People often use the phrase to mean that doing something different can make one feel more energetic and lively.

French translation

‘Changement d’herbage réjouit les veaux.’ is nowhere near as frequently used in French, but it conveys the meaning, and will often trigger a smile.

How NOT to translate : *changer, c’est se reposer

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Examples in context

‘Snails show that variety is the key to success if you want to remember more

A change is as good as a rest when it comes to remembering more, according to new research by neuroscientists at the University of Sussex.

Dr Michael Crossley, Senior Research Fellow in Neuroscience, used pond snails to study the factors impacting on memory interference.
He found that, when tasked with learning two similar things, snails were only able to store and recall the first memory.
Conversely, when faced with learning two totally unrelated tasks, the snails were able to retain all the information and successfully store both memories.

Dr Crossley said : "The brain of a snail is much simpler than ours but there are some key parallels which mean studying them can help us to understand more about our own abilities for learning and memory.

Science Daily, 26 June 2019

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A change is as good as a rest

The Ploughing presents opportunities for those involved in the sector to meet, to talk and to question. For all the rest, it provides the opportunity to learn more about what we do.

After three full days of glorious sunshine at the National Ploughing Championships last week in Carlow, heavy rain fell in Kilkenny at the weekend and brought with it a change in the air. Some around our office, including me, have the “Ploughing curse” – sniffles.’

Irish Farmers Journal, 25 Sept. 2019

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Everyday usage

I’m hoping that starting on this new career path will help me to find joy in my work again—after all, a change is as good as a rest.

b) Change is counterproductive

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

c) Change is necessary

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.


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