ring the changes

Idioms  

1. Keep varying how one performs an action or says something, as in She went on and on, ringing the changes on the joy of computers. This expression alludes to the art of change-ringing, where a series of church bells are rung in as many sequences, or changes, as possible. [Early 1600s]

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Example Sentences

It is Gloucester's turn to ring the changes as the whole front-row is rotated.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2024

Wales coach Ioan Cunningham began to ring the changes, but the impact from the bench could not spark the comebacks that had been seen over Ireland and Scotland.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2022

Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters The vanquished Liverpool meanwhile ring the changes.

From The Guardian • Mar. 2, 2016

Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters The vanquished Liverpool meanwhile ring the changes.

From The Guardian • Mar. 2, 2016

"Phalarope with indented festoons," English trans. of Buffon.—It is of no use to ring the changes farther.

From Love's Meinie Three Lectures on Greek and English Birds by Ruskin, John