ring the changes

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

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Verb

ring the changes (third-person singular simple present rings the changes, present participle ringing the changes, simple past rang the changes, past participle rung the changes)

1. To make patterned sound sequences on bells, starting and ending on the same tone.
3. To run through all possible variations.
4. (UK) To enliven by varying combinations.
5. (slang, UK, 19th century and earlier) To pass counterfeit money.
6. (slang, dated) To trick a shopkeeper into giving too much change.
7. To take advantage of a change in order to make money.

Quotations

• 2024 October 18, Phil McNulty, “England 3-1 Italy”, in BBC Sport‎^[1]:

  Manchester City pair Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips were given the chance to push their claims for starting places in Southgate's plans as he rang the changes following the friendly against Australia.

Synonyms

• (to vary combinations): mix and match

Derived terms

• ringer

References

• “ring the changes”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.
• (trick a shopkeeper into giving too much change): 1903, Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language