dance to a different tune

1. To change one's behavior. I'm hoping that a week or two of detention will have these rambunctious students dancing to a different tune. Have you seen her report card? If she doesn't dance to a different tune, and fast, she's gonna have to repeat ninth grade. How can I get my son to dance to a different tune before he gets himself arrested?

2. To do something, act, or behave in a manner that does not conform to the standard, prevalent, or popular societal norm. My brother's eschewed the idea of a full-time career and has had every oddball job you could think of, but then he's always been happy dancing to a different tune. Look, I respect the fact that you like to dance to a different tune, but do you have to make a point of doing everything in such a contrarian way? Theresa's a real free-spirit who dances to a different tune. You should hang out with her sometime—I think you'd have fun.