Usually depreciative. to serve the time (also times): to adapt one's conduct or views to suit prevailing circumstances or orthodoxy, esp. in a…

intransitive. To adopt some course for the time or occasion; hence, to adapt oneself or conform to the time and circumstances; to ‘trim’.

to turn the cat in the pan. To change one's position, change sides, from motives of interest, etc.

intransitive (also with it). To modify one's attitude in order to stand well with opposite parties; to move cautiously, or ‘balance’ between two…

In expressions referring to a tendency, turn, or condition of affairs:

to play (also work) both sides of the street (originally and chiefly U.S.): to ally oneself with both sides in a competition or conflict, to behave…