Definition

1. Noun:

   • A complete reversal of opinion, attitude, or principle: A sudden and major change in one's stance or viewpoint on a matter.
   • A physical turn of 180 degrees: The act of turning to face the exact opposite direction, especially as a formal military command or maneuver.

2. Verb:

   • To reverse one's opinion or stance: To change one's mind completely and adopt the opposite viewpoint.
   • To turn 180 degrees: To execute a physical turn to face the opposite direction.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The company's sudden about-face on remote work policy surprised all employees.
  • The soldier executed a sharp about-face at the officer's command.

• Verb:

  • After hearing the evidence, the politician about-faced on the controversial issue.
  • The platoon about-faced and marched back the way they came.

Advanced Usage

• "to do an about-face": To perform a complete reversal.

  • The government did an about-face on its tax proposal after public outcry.

• "a dramatic about-face": Emphasizes the sudden and significant nature of the change.

  • His support for the project represented a dramatic about-face from his previous criticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Reversal (n): A change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action.
• U-turn (n): (Informal) A complete reversal of policy or opinion, named after the driving maneuver.
• Volte-face (n): (Formal) A sudden and complete reversal of attitude or policy.

Synonyms

• Reversal: A change to an opposite state or direction.
• Turnaround: A complete change, often leading to improvement, but can also mean a reversal.
• Flip-flop (Informal, often negative): A sudden and complete reversal of position.

Related Phrases

• Make a U-turn: (Idiomatic) To reverse one's decision or opinion completely.
  • The CEO made a U-turn on the merger plans after the board meeting.

Related Idioms

• Do a 180: (Informal idiom) To change one's opinion or behavior completely, making a reversal.
  • He used to hate classical music, but he's done a 180 and now loves it.

Noun

1. a major change in attitude or principle or point of view
   • an about-face on foreign policy
2. act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation

Verb

1. change one's mind and assume the opposite viewpoint
2. turn, usually 180 degrees