a variation on the theme of (something)

A different or unique way of doing, saying, or presenting something that has been done in the past. The new restaurant offers a variation on the theme of the roadside diner, giving patrons haute-cuisine interpretations of greasy spoon staples. When asked why, his answer was a variation on the theme of "bigger is better." The anthology series presents variations on the themes of classic genre tropes, such as westerns, Gothic thrillers, rom-coms, and even old cheesy B movies.

variation on a theme

cliché That which is only slightly different from others of the same type that have been repeatedly done or said. The problem with these annual smartphone upgrades is that they only ever represent variations on a theme. There simply isn't enough development time to introduce truly meaningful changes, nor do the manufacturers want to stray too far from what made the models popular in the first place. Cyber security experts are warning that this new phishing attempt is yet another variation on a theme that has been around for years—someone purporting to be an official from your bank, trying to access personal details that would give them control of your account. Their latest brand of political attacks are just variations on a theme that we've heard since the late '90s.

variations on the theme of something

different ways of doing or saying the same thing: Her new book of short stories offers variations on the theme of man’s desire to succeed.

See also: of, on, something, theme, variation

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References in periodicals archive

Ahmad, one of the visitors at Howdy, cowboy themed restaurant in F-7, said that having such creative eateries provide a sense of culture in the city.

Theme based restaurants changing capital's food landscape

During the past two years alone, the construction of themed aquatic environments has grown exponentially among the municipal leisure pool set, say manufacturers.

Two district high schools, Milford and Lakeland, are constructing athletics facilities in which themed leisure pools play a big part.

Theming with possibilities: more leisure pools are becoming waterpark-style themed recreation environments as cities draw a more demanding crowd

The new division is an extension of CUH2A's continued diversification of its practice to include theme parks, hotels and resorts, themed retail stores and restaurants.

In his new role, Ladyman will interface with clients, direct business development, as well as oversee the design of themed facilities and attractions.

NJ firm opens division for entertainment related facilities. (CUH2A)

Meraas Holding's $2.7 billion (Dh9.91 billion) Dubai Parks & Resorts development has already announced three themed attractions - in the form of Dreamworks' many favourite characters such as Shrek, another given over to the over-the-top fantasies associated with India's Bollywood, and Legoland.

Qatar and Oman have their share of themed offerings, but at a much lower level of sophistication.

Theme parks add a new layer to Dubai's hospitality mix

Industry sources report the themed restaurant is now in discussions with two other building owners in Times Square, one of which has space ready to go, while the other would be ready by winter.

Raines confirmed they are also seeking an Orlando location as a follow-up spot, joining most every theme restaurant ever imagined in that southern resort area, where Universal Studios is now slugging it out with Disney for inventive themed eateries.

Vegas! hopping Times Sq. locations