change hands

phrase

: to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another

The property has changes hands many times.

Examples of change hands in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If a clinic changes hands, closes or alters its protocols, and that has already happened across the telehealth sector, that documentation is what lets a new provider pick up a safe taper. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026

According to Bank of America, timber managers acquired 55% of all acres that changed hands in 2025 against just 15% sold. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Alas, the timber industry faded, a mail delivery contract was lost and railroad ownership changed hands. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

The lead changed hands several times before the Bears moved ahead with third-quarter touchdowns. — Bob Brody, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for change hands

• borderlands
• bottomlands
• firebrands
• hinterlands
• meadowlands
• nederlands
• operands
• reprimands
• timberlands
• understands
• ands
• bands