change up meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

change-up

nounalso spelled change-up

/ˈtʃeɪndʒʌp/

Etymology Deverbal from change up.

Ball games, Baseball, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports A pitch thrown with the arm motion of a fastball, but which travels at a much slower velocity because it is released without the fingers adding power to the delivery.

The pitcher had a devastating change-up.

Broadly An unexpected event.

This RFQ is a real change-up.

Synonyms: change of pace
Coordinate terms: curveball, slider, cut fastball, two-seam fastball, split-finger fastball, sinker, screwball, knuckleball

change up

verb

Ball games, Baseball, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports To throw a pitch at a much slower than expected speed.

He changed up on Wilson after three fastballs and struck him out.

To confuse someone by doing something unexpected or in an unexpected way.

I thought that we were going to study the project some more, but then he came back from the weekend and changed up, making it a top priority.

Informal To vary.

change it up
The more accessories you have (cheaper than clothing and can be worn multiple times) it's easier to change up your look. So, imagine having one dress that you can accessorise 4 different ways, simply with a shoe change […]2019, Chitra Balasubramaniam, Change Your Look Change Your Life:

To change to a higher gear in a vehicle.

Derived terms: change-up