take turns

Idioms  

1. Alternate, as in Since there is only one horse, Beth and Amanda are taking turns riding. This phrase uses turn in the sense of “one of a series of actions done in succession.” [Late 1300s] Also see in turn.

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Example Sentences

Things happen like this in history, countries take turns, sometimes gradual, sometimes abrupt.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

To use the old gym, they used to take turns in groups.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Someone has brought a megaphone; residents take turns leading chants.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026

Chelsea Redeker’s 8-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son used to take turns choosing a movie, but arguments would inevitably ensue, and the child who didn’t pick would bounce around or do cartwheels while it was playing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Then we jog back around the track until we reach the water fountain, where we take turns drinking.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• alter
• differ
• diverge
• diversify
• divide
• fluctuate
• modify
• range