changing of the guard

plural changings of the guard · alternative change of the guard · alternative changing of the guards

1. usually preceded by theA ceremony during which the soldiers or other officials guarding a major government building or state residence, especially Buckingham Palace in England, are replaced by a new shift.

   Synonyms: guard mounting

2. broadlyfigurativelyAny situation in which an individual or group charged with a task or responsibilities in an organization is replaced by another individual or group.

   The changing of the guard is set to ripple out beyond Amazon, which Mr. Bezos has personified for more than two decades.

   2021 February 2, Karen Weise, “Jeff Bezos to Step Down as Amazon C.E.O.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

   5 more examples

   All the signs are right this time / You don't have to try so very hard / If you live in this world / You're feelin' the change of the guard

   1972, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, “Change of the Guard”, performed by Steely Dan

   I've moved your mountains and marked your cards / But Eden is burning, either get ready for elimination / Or else your hearts must have the courage for the changing of the guards

   1978, Bob Dylan, “Changing of the Guards”, in Street-Legal

   At the same stressful time, Detroit's automakers will be going through a major changing of the guard: all three companies are expected to get new chief executives in the space of two years.

   1989 November 20, S. C. Gwynne, “Running Low On Gas”, in Time, archived from the original on 22 Oct 2010

   NBC has set a date for the changing of the guard at "The Tonight Show." After 17 years, Jay Leno will sign off as host of the venerated late-night talker.

   2008 July 21, James Hibberd, “NBC finalizes its late shift”, in Hollywood Reporter, retrieved 25 Jul 2010

   At long last, the referee's whistle was mercifully blown. It had been a sobering and underwhelming tournament, but one that must now fuel the future, with a changing of the guard needed ahead of next year's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

   2022 November 29, Ian Mitchelmore, “Wales put out of World Cup misery by England as sobering tournament must signal changing of the guard”, in WalesOnline