switch teams
Join the opposition
To switch teams is to change allegiance or affiliation, often used literally in sports contexts where a player joins a rival team.
In slang, the phrase commonly means to change one's sexual orientation—particularly to become gay or lesbian after previously identifying as straight: I heard she switched teams after her divorce.
The sports metaphor frames sexuality as choosing sides.
- swapExchange one for another
- rivalOne who competes against
- defectionAbandoning one's loyalty
- cross the aisleVote with opponents
- changeTo make different
go over · convert · roster · transition · alteration · shift · free agency · trade deadline · transfer · turncoat · turn traitor · jump ship · realignment · come out · flip flop · substitution · reorientation · modify
switch teamsstand firm
Refuse to retreat
stick with · keep faith · stay the course · stay true · hold steady
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