change places with

change places with (one)

To switch to the spot, role, or position that another person currently is in. I changed places with my aunt so that I could talk to the people at the other end of the table. Many people say that they would gladly change places with a celebrity, but I doubt they would enjoy the constant attention.
See also: change, place
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

change places with someone

to trade or exchange situations or locations with someone. He has a much higher salary, but I wouldn't change places with him for the world. Juan decided to change places with Ken in the bus.
See also: change, place
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • change places with (one)
  • change with
  • change (something) with (someone)
  • come to a climax
  • climax
  • bring (something) to a climax
  • change sides
  • a pillar/tower of strength
  • better things to do
  • be sitting pretty
References in classic literature
These from his distance he admired extravagantly; and though he was inclined to be more sarcastic with them than with others, though he made little jokes at their expense, he would have given anything to change places with them.
Of Human Bondage
"Not five minutes since," she thought to herself, "I was longing to change places with you!
The New Magdalen
There is no one who would not be delighted to change places with you."
Picture Of Dorian Gray
Change places with him, and would you have been looked at by those blue eyes as he was, and commiserated by that agitated face as he was?
Tale Of Two Cities
Jim was almost tempted to envy the wooden horse for being unable to feel pain; but the creature was so absurdly unnatural that he decided he would not change places with it under any circumstances.
Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz
But even if I were condemned to suffer on the scaffold for the same crimes, I would not change places with such a wretch."
Frankenstein
Then, calling upon Fedallah to change places with him, went forward to the bows, and seizing Perth's harpoon, commanded his crew to grasp their oars and stand by to stern.
Moby Dick LXVIII CXXXIV
Spare a thought and a prayer for those unfortunate people who would love to change places with you,if only for a short break.
Spare a thought for desperate [...]; LETTERS
Hats off to all the candidates - I wouldn't change places with them for all the tea in China.
Hungry for politics
Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd star in the hilarious movie which sees a street-smart hustler change places with a city slicker with hilarious consequences.
Staying in: OUT ON DVD
It's a probability West Ham will change places with Blues next season - or is the underlying factor more money?
Your Shout: Fit-again duo can spur us on
IFYOU COULD CHANGE PLACES WITH ANYONE FOR A DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE?
3pm: TALKING TURKEY
* Have them discuss how they would react if they had to change places with Anupam for a year.
Desperate to make the grade: in one of India's poorest regions, a driven 17-year-old dreams of someday working at NASA
I wouldn't want to change places with the Beckhams despite all their money and my modest income.
I'd never swap for Becks' life; pounds 100 LETTER
Lots of pensioners would love to change places with offenders.
Your Views: Jail heaven