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change off

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change off

[for people] to alternate in doing something. Tom and I changed off so neither of us had to answer the phone all the time. Let's change off every 30 minutes.

See also: change, off

change off

Alternate, or take turns. This phrase is used either for two individuals alternately performing a task, as in Lifting cement blocks is such heavy work that they decided to change off periodically, or for one person alternately performing two tasks, as in I can concentrate on this book only for short periods so I frequently change off and work in the garden . Also see change of pace.

See also: change, off

change off

v.

1. To alternate with someone in performing some task: I changed off washing the dishes with my brother. If you two change off once in a while, the work will be less tiring.

2. To perform two tasks at once by alternating, or perform a single task by alternate means: Every so often I changed off between pushing and pulling the cart up the hill.

See also: change, off