change up

To do or arrange something differently to make it more varied.

• Let’s change up our routine.
• She changed things up by choosing a different route.
• How often do you change up your workouts?

How to use it: change something up (Let’s change the menu up for summer.)

Similar words: vary, mix up, alter

Common phrases: change up something, change up routines, change up workouts

To move to a higher gear while driving.

• Change up when the engine gets loud.
• He changed up into third as we left the village.
• Should I change up before reaching the hill?

How to use it: change up into a gear (Change up into fourth when the road is clear.)

Similar words: shift up, upshift

Opposites: change down

Common phrases: change up, change up a gear

In baseball, to throw the ball more slowly than the batter expects.

• The pitcher decided to change up.
• He changed up on the next batter and got a strike.
• Will she change up after that fastball?

How to use it: change up on someone (The pitcher changed up on the batter after two fastballs.)

Similar words: throw a changeup

Common phrases: change up, change up on someone

To confuse someone by suddenly acting differently from what they expect.

• He changed up on me without warning.
• The player changed up on her rival and left her confused.
• Don’t change up on us halfway through the plan.

How to use it: change up on someone (She changed up on her opponent with an unexpected move.)

Similar words: wrong-foot, confuse, surprise

Common phrases: change up on someone, change up suddenly