The melody is like some wistful sea chantey except that the harmony underneath keeps shifting unexpectedly, yanking the melody with it, prodded by staggered drum beats.

Dream Theater shifted unexpectedly from thrash to power balladry, arena-size pomp and precise, almost free-jazz experimentation.

Another of the devices sounds an alarm when a vehicle starts unexpectedly shifting across highway lanes.

The political loyalty of these populations were first and foremost to their respective tribes, and supratribal allegiances and alliances would shift rapidly and unexpectedly.

Alexander Alekhine, one of the greatest of the world champions, was noted for starting an attack on one flank, then unexpectedly shifting to the other with spectacular results.

It should also be designed to hold items snugly enough that they won't shift unexpectedly.

The Maine seas and weather often shift unexpectedly, which can lead to disastrous results.

The winds unexpectedly shifted, a full-scale gale screamed into Plymouth Sound, and the previously safe anchorage turned deadly.

Russia is more subtle, and the legal protections and state benevolence that protect investments can shift unexpectedly.

No wonder: Mr. Tarantino's quirky dialogue is an actor's dream, shifting unexpectedly from funny, hair-splitting small talk to terrifying extremes.