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

The room was so small, they had to take turns if they wanted to lie down, and placed a piece of cardboard over a sewer hole as a makeshift mattress.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026

Based on guidance from the National Education Goals Panel, kindergartners should be able to take turns and cooperate.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

Of the 19, 12 can vote: all seven Washington-based governors, the New York Fed president, and four of the other 11 Fed presidents, who take turns voting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Phil and Gay take turns with chores and taking care of our children.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Related Words

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