ring the changes

verb

To make patterned sound sequences on bells, starting and ending on the same tone.

Similar
mix and match
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Meanings

verbring the changes (third-person singular simple present rings the changes, present participle ringing the changes, simple past rang the changes, past participle rung the changes)

present singular third person rings the changes · participle present ringing the changes · past rang the changes · participle past rung the changes

  1. To make patterned sound sequences on bells, starting and ending on the same tone.
  2. To run through all possible variations.
  3. UKTo enliven by varying combinations.

    Synonyms: mix and match

  4. UKslang19th century and earlierTo pass counterfeit money.
  5. datedslangTo trick a shopkeeper into giving too much change.
  6. To take advantage of a change in order to make money.

Synonyms & antonyms

verbTo enliven by varying combinations.

Similar
mix and match
Also see
mix and match
Cite this entry
APA

ring the changes. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ring%20the%20changes

MLA

“ring the changes.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ring%20the%20changes. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “ring the changes,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ring%20the%20changes.

Source: ring the changes on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.