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

See Examples For:

take turns

Speakers take turns addressing crowds while also belting out protest songs and poems.

From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026

And in life, they let each other take turns at the wheel, planning events and dates with a notable regard for the other person.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

Cardrooms had since sidestepped the ban by giving players the option to take turns dealing the game and relying on third-party businesses to employ people who act as bankers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2026

After about an hour, I’m keeping pace with the legacy kids as we race along the walls and take turns avoiding the obstacles Magnus puts in our path.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

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