Change hands

usgb
verb

To pass from one person to another.

The house has changed hands four times in the past ten years.
Visual representation of "change hands" - To pass from one person to another.

Often appears as...

  • property change hands
  • ownership change hands

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "change hands"
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Metaphorical Use

Sometimes means general transfer, not just physical items.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The secret recipe changed hands within the family.
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Frequent Transactions

Used when something is bought and sold many times.

Illustration for Frequent Transactions
This antique vase must have changed hands several times.
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No Physical Movement

The phrase doesn't always mean something moves physically.

Illustration for No Physical Movement
Ownership of the artwork changed hands, but it stayed in the same gallery.
Visual representation of the word "Change hands"

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