change off

change off

1. To alternate with another person while working on a task. When doing manual labor, it always helps to change off with another person and take a rest.
2. To alternate between two tasks. Because I was the only one available to work on the mailing, I had to change off between folding letters and stuffing envelopes.
See also: change, off
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • hanger-on
  • on (one's) person
  • on person
  • about (one's) person
  • big fish in a small pond
  • big frog in a small pond
  • frog in a small pond
  • pond
  • a big fish in a small pond
  • a big frog in a small pond
References in periodicals archive
Marshall has also noticed a big change off the field, with life in Wales more reminiscent of what he's used to back home in New Zealand.
Marshall ready to launch free-flowing Ospreys on a challenge for honours in Celtic League and Europe
There has been a change off the field too, with former coach Terry Moore leaving in a move to Crusaders, and ex-Linfield and Glentoran hero Sammy McFadden filling in the vacant role.
Football: KNOCKING ON SEVEN'S DOOR
And while he also pushed for change off the field, he readily admitted the players themselves must lead the revolution on it.
RUGBY UNION: NO HEROES; Had a SHEDFUL of high prices? QUALITY Hansen calls for change quick to safeguard future
Oldbury have undergone a significant change off the pitch after John Morris, who had been with the Black Country club for two-and-half years, resigned as manager.
Bridgnorth ready to wade in with bid for Bullimore; MIDLAND ALLIANCE
Barack Obama's announcement of new major carbon pollution regulations, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has decided to take climate change off the G20 agenda.
Tony Abbott 'Dumps Climate Change' on G20 Agenda; BHP Chief Supports Abbott
They're the biggest games of the modern time for this club, so we can help rebuild it when our fortunes change off the field."
No room for passengers warns Clark Stand up and fight for Blues cause or you're out; Boss fires a warning ahead of crunch run-in
"I've seen from the very first day I walked in a dramatic change off the field.
MCPAKE: If we're not then it has to be your fault too
Similarly, Bath have endured a decidedly average start to life in the Guinness Premiership and although they have resisted change off the field, they chose to ring the alterations on it.
Ospreys flutter to deceive as Barkley boots Bath home
"There are all sorts of measures you can take - fines, screening people - but you can't take change off them as they go into the ground.
Football: Taylor: Jail coin-throwing thugs
I don't know if my life's going to change off court but the experience will stick with me for a long time."
Isner has quick exit after epic
It always appeared to me that Birmingham were very serious, and there would be an opportunity to join, said Michel,'' who revealed he was well aware of the change off the field at St Andrew's.
The Eck factor's a hit for Michel