noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
switching (job, loyalty, stance); changing sides
Metaphorical use derived from changing a horse's saddle. Commonly used for changing jobs, political parties, or allegiances. Often implies a pragmatic or opportunistic shift.
彼は競合他社に鞍替えした。
He switched over to a rival company.
選挙前に別
Some lawmakers switch to another party before an election.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
changing quarters (of a geisha, prostitute)
Historical and domain-specific use referring to a geisha or prostitute moving to a different establishment. Rare in modern general conversation.
その芸者は去年、別の置屋に鞍替えしたそうだ。
I heard that geisha changed to another teahouse last year.