turn on its head: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘turn on its head’ mean?
The idiom *turn on its head* means to completely reverse or change something, especially an idea or situation, in a dramatic or unexpected way.
Idiom Explorer
When something is turned upside down, it means that its normal position or state has been completely reversed or changed.
The idiom "turn the tide" means to change the course or direction of a situation, typically in a positive way, especially when it seemed to be going against someone or something.
The idiom "turn the tables" means to reverse a situation or gain an advantage over someone who had previously had the upper hand.
The idiom "turn the scale" means to tip the balance or create a decisive change in a situation, typically in someone's favor.
The idiom "turn the corner" means to start making progress or improving after a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "turn the boat" means to change direction or alter one's course, often in response to new information or circumstances. It implies a willingness to adapt or make adjustments in order to achieve a desired outcome or navigate through challenges.
The idiom "turn someone's head" means to make someone feel important or attractive, often leading to a change in behavior or attitude. It can also refer to causing someone to become infatuated or obsessed with someone or something.
The idiom "turn over a new leaf" means to start fresh or change one's behavior or habits for the better.
The idiom "turn over" means to flip or rotate something, or to change one's position or occupation.
The idiom "turn on one's heel" means to abruptly and decisively change direction, often in a gesture of annoyance or indignation.
Flipped Perspectives
The idiom "turn on its head" is a commonly used phrase in English. Its origins can be traced back to the mid-1800s when it began to be used metaphorically to describe a complete overturning or reversal of a situation, idea, or belief. Instead of using transitional phrases, I'll get straight to the point and explain how this idiom relates to other idioms like "turn on," "turn someone's head," "turn over," "turn on one's heel," and "turn around." I will follow AP style and make sure to write in a conversational style using short sentences and simple words.
When something "turns on its head," it implies a drastic change or transformation where the original state is completely inverted or overturned. This idiom conveys the idea of a sudden and unexpected shift, often resulting in a complete reversal of the previous circumstances. It's like when you turn on a switch, and the lights come on immediately. It happens quickly and without warning.
This idiom involves a complete change, just like when someone has a sudden change of heart or opinion, they "turn on one's head." It's as if their head was facing one way and then suddenly it's facing in the opposite direction. It can be surprising and confusing for those involved.
"Turn over" is another related idiom. It means to flip something upside down or reverse its position. When something is turned over, it undergoes a complete transformation. It's like when you turn a book upside down and start reading it from the back. The order is completely changed, and it can be a new and interesting experience.
Another related idiom is "turn on one's heel." This phrase describes a quick and abrupt change in direction. It's like when you change your mind suddenly and walk away in the opposite direction. It can be a response to something unexpected or a moment of realization that causes a shift in perspective.
"Turn around" is also connected to the idiom "turn on its head." It signifies a complete reversal or change in a situation. It's like when you're heading in one direction but then decide to turn around and go back the other way. It shows flexibility and adaptability, as well as the ability to make quick changes when necessary.
This idiom has a widespread usage and can be found in various forms of media, such as literature, journalism, and everyday conversations. It's often used to express the concept of reversal or transformation in a concise and vivid manner. For example, in the field of politics, when a party or leader completely reverses their previous positions, it can be said that they have "turned on their head." This expression emphasizes the abruptness and drastic nature of the policy shift.
In the world of sports, the idiom "turning the game on its head" is often used to describe a team that was previously losing but manages to turn the game around and come out victorious. This highlights the dramatic and unexpected nature of the team's comeback, as they completely reverse the trajectory of the match.
In essence, the idiom "turn on its head" encapsulates the concept of a sudden and complete reversal or transformation. Its long history and wide usage demonstrate its effectiveness in conveying the idea of overturning established norms, opinions, or circumstances. This idiom will likely remain a powerful tool for expressing the unexpected and the transformative as the English language continues to evolve.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *turn on its head* can be used in a sentence:
- The new scientific discovery turned the existing theory on its head.
- The film's unexpected twist completely turned the audience's expectations on their head.
- The political candidate's controversial statements turned the whole election campaign on its head.
The idiom *turn on its head* is often used to describe a situation where something is completely changed or reversed, often in an unexpected or surprising way. It implies a complete shift in the way things are perceived or understood.
More "Reversal" idioms
