ring the changes

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

As for Palace, they ring the changes from the side which last weekend could have easily beaten Manchester United.

From The Guardian • May 16, 2015

Scotland may ring the changes for the friendly against Northern Ireland, with manager Gordon Strachan saying he wants to use everyone in his squad.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2015

But one goal proved to be enough for Inverness, while Celtic will aim to improve and likely ring the changes again for Tuesday's return leg against Maribor in Glasgow.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2014

Hyacinth loved to ring the changes on her sister's name.

From London Pride Or When the World Was Younger by Braddon, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023