chop and change

/tʃˈɒp and tʃˈeɪndʒ/

/tʃˈɑːp ænd tʃˈeɪndʒ/

[phrase]

to chop and change

[PHRASE]

to keep changing one's behavior or opinions in an abrupt manner

What is the origin of the idiom "chop and change" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "chop and change" is believed to have emerged from the world of sports, particularly cricket. In cricket, "chop" refers to hitting the ball with a chopping motion, while "change" refers to switching positions or tactics. The idiom metaphorically represents the act of continuously altering one's approach or strategy, much like a cricketer changing their shot or position on the field. It is often used to highlight the lack of stability, reliability, or commitment displayed by an individual.

Examples

1. After chopping and changing for the first year, they have settled down to a stable system of management.

2. But the real challenge comes from how we actually chop and change genes.

3. We're talking about doubt and uncertainty and how to express that in English so naturally when you feel uncertain and you're doubting yourself and the decisions that you've made in the past, maybe you change those decisions you know, and if you're changing your mind constantly going from one to the other, then we say that you chop and change from this to this to this to this.

4. And chopping and changing is definitely a negative thing you, know it often creates confusion.