about turn: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘about turn’ mean?
The idiom about turn is used to describe a sudden change in direction or opinion. It implies a complete reversal or 180-degree turn from a previous position.
Idiom Explorer
When used as an idiom, "turn around" means to change direction, to reverse a situation, or to make a significant improvement in a short amount of time.
The idiom "double back" means to turn around and go back in the opposite direction. It is often used to describe a change in plans or a reversal of a previous decision.
The idiom "cut both ways" means that a situation or action can have both positive and negative consequences. It implies that something can have a double-edged effect or outcome.
The idiom "cut about" means to move quickly and energetically, often in a disorganized or random manner. It implies a sense of being in a hurry or having a lot of things to do. This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts.
The idiom "cross to take up" means to switch from one side or position to another, often involving a change in opinion or loyalty.
The idiom "come full circle" means to return to the starting point or the original situation after a series of events. It signifies completion or the closing of a cycle.
The idiom "come around" means to change one's opinion or position, typically after being hesitant or resistant.
The idiom "change the game" means to significantly alter or revolutionize the way something is done or approached, often resulting in a new and improved method or outcome.
The idiom "change someone's mind" means to persuade or convince someone to think differently or alter their opinion about something.
Historical Twist
The idiom "about turn" is a phrase commonly used in military contexts to convey a complete reversal or change in direction. It is primarily associated with the British military, particularly the British Army. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the 19th century and the drill commands used during military training.
In military drill, the command "about turn" is given to instruct soldiers to turn around 180 degrees to face the opposite direction. This swift and synchronized movement is crucial in maintaining order and discipline within military formations. The phrase itself evolved from earlier drill commands such as "right about face," which date back to at least the 18th century.
Over time, "about turn" has gained a broader figurative meaning beyond its literal military usage. It is now commonly used to describe a sudden change in opinion, strategy, or course of action. This idiom is often employed to highlight a complete reversal in thinking or to emphasize a complete U-turn on a particular issue.
It is worth noting that the idiom "about turn" is primarily used in British English and may not be as widely recognized or employed in other English-speaking countries. However, its usage in military and formal contexts can be found internationally.
The idiom "about turn" encapsulates the idea of a complete turnaround, both literally and metaphorically. Its military origins reflect the precision and discipline associated with military drills. By using this phrase in everyday language, individuals can vividly convey the idea of a sudden and decisive change in direction or viewpoint. The vividness of this idiom contributes to its continued usage and relevance in contemporary discourse.
When exploring related idioms, one that comes to mind is "turn around." This idiom shares the concept of reversal or change, but it is often used in a more general sense. "Turn around" can refer to the act of reversing a situation or changing the course of events. It can also encompass the idea of improving or making a positive change. For example, someone may say, "He was struggling, but he managed to turn his life around and find success."
Another related idiom is "come around." This phrase is often used to talk about a change in opinion or attitude. When someone "comes around," it means that they have gradually changed their viewpoint or have been persuaded to see things differently. For instance, you might say, "At first, he didn't agree with the idea, but after hearing more about it, he came around and supported the proposal."
"change of tack" is yet another idiom that shares similarities with "about turn." This phrase is commonly used to describe a change in strategy or approach. It implies that someone has decided to take a different course of action or adopt a new plan. An example sentence could be, "After realizing that their original plan wasn't working, they made a change of tack and tried a different approach."
Lastly, "double back" is an idiom that relates to changing direction or reversing course. It often refers to retracing one's steps or going back to a previous location. This idiom can also be used figuratively to describe a change in decision or action. For instance, you might say, "After realizing they forgot something at home, they had to double back and retrieve it before continuing on their journey."
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "about turn" can be used in a sentence:
- He was walking in the wrong direction, but quickly did an about turn when he realized his mistake.
- The company's sales were declining, so they decided to make an about turn in their marketing strategy.
- She had been supporting the idea, but after learning some new information, she did an about turn and started opposing it.
More "Direction" idioms
