tʃeɪndʒ hændz
Business
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To be transferred from one set of hands to another
What does "change hands" mean?
- To be sold or transferred to a new owner
- To pass from one person's possession to another
Examples
- The company has changed hands three times this decade.
- The property changed hands for $2 million.
- The family business changed hands when he retired.
Origin
The image of physically passing an object from one person's hands to another. Used figuratively for ownership transfers since at least the 17th century.
How to use it
Common in business and real estate contexts. Can describe businesses, properties, or valuable objects.
Similar expressions
be sold
transfer ownership
pass to new owner
Opposites
remain in same ownership
stay put
Related idioms
- on the same page
In agreement or having the same understanding
- cut to the chase
To get to the point without wasting time
- hit the ground running
To start a new job or activity with immediate effectiveness
- in the loop
Included in the flow of information
- the bottom line
The most important point or factor
- get up to speed
To become fully informed about a situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "change hands" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.