take turns

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

Women reach for gloves and sweaters as they take turns hanging from an overhead assault course.

From BBC

On medical wards, things can take turns and you still have to figure out how to help right things.

From Salon

As they took turns recalling their abuse on the programme, they felt vulnerable.

From BBC

"At some point we were exhausted and stopped to rest. We took turns sleeping and keeping watch."

From BBC

He celebrated this most recent victory by taking turns working the counter and drive-thru window during an hourlong shift at Raising Cane’s on Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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