change hands

Idioms and Phrases

Pass from one owner to another. For example, This house seems to change hands every other year , or The contract is valid only when money changes hands . [Second half of 1600s]

Example Sentences

The Senate may change hands; Republicans are taking a pass on changing how the Senate goes about its business.

From The Daily Beast

Democratic held seats in energy-rich Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana and South Dakota may well change hands on Election Day.

From The Daily Beast

You play at shopping a while; and in order to keep up the illusion, sham goods do actually change hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Between you and me, they are not going to room at Wayland Hall next year unless the management should change hands.

From Project Gutenberg

The table was piled with money, which seemed to change hands rapidly, for the resort was a well-known one among club men.

From Project Gutenberg

My bag now began to feel very heavy, and I could not change hands to relieve myself.

From Project Gutenberg

By clearings we mean the value of the cheques which are cleared—that is, which change hands through the clearing-house.

From Project Gutenberg