The phrase suggests a smooth and strategic change in behavior, not an abrupt one. When joining a new team, trim your sails to understand their workflow.
Pro Tip 2/3
Social Context
Use the phrase when discussing social or workplace adjustments. After the merger, employees needed to trim their sails to the new culture.
Pro Tip 3/3
Subtle Changes
The changes implied are often about fine-tuning rather than complete changes. The manager trimmed his sails by listening more to his team's ideas.