ring the changes

== English == === Etymology === (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) === Pronunciation === === Verb === ring 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) To make patterned sound sequences on bells, starting and ending on the same tone. To run through all possible variations. (UK) To enliven by varying combinations. (slang, UK, 19th century and earlier) To pass counterfeit money. (slang, dated) To trick a shopkeeper into giving too much change. To take advantage of a change in order to make money. ==== Quotations ==== ==== Synonyms ==== (to vary combinations): mix and match ==== Derived terms ==== ringer === References === “ring the changes”, in OneLook Dictionary Search. (trick a shopkeeper into giving too much change): 1903, Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language