round turn

round turn

The sailor secures the rope with a round turn around the bollard.

Definition

round turn (noun) 1. Nautical term: In maritime contexts, a "round turn" refers to a specific way of winding a rope or cable around a post, bitt, or cleat, typically forming a complete loop or circle. This is used to secure or control the tension of the rope, often for mooring or anchoring. 2. Figurative use: By extension, the phrase "round turn" can mean a complete reversal or abrupt stop in a situation, derived from the nautical practice of "bringing up with a round turn" — i.e., stopping a vessel suddenly by winding the rope around a post.

Usage Examples

  • Nautical:

    • The sailor made a round turn around the cleat to secure the mooring line. (The sailor wound the rope in a full circle around the cleat to hold the boat in place.)
    • To prevent the rope from slipping, take a round turn around the bollard. (Wind the rope once completely around the bollard for better grip.)

  • Figurative:

    • The sudden news brought the project up with a round turn. (The news caused an abrupt halt or reversal in the project's progress.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to bring up with a round turn": This nautical idiom means to stop something suddenly or bring it to a complete halt.
    • The captain brought the ship up with a round turn to avoid the collision. (The captain stopped the ship abruptly by securing the rope with a round turn.)
    • The financial crisis brought the company's expansion plans up with a round turn. (The crisis caused an immediate and complete stop to the plans.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Round (adj): shaped like a circle or curve.
    • The round turn is so named because the rope forms a circular loop. (The term describes a circular winding.)
  • Turn (noun): an act of moving around a central point or axis.
    • A round turn involves one full turn of the rope around an object. (One complete rotation.)
Synonyms
  • Loop: a shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.
  • Winding: a twist or coil of something, such as rope.
  • Coil: a length of something wound in a joined sequence of rings.
Related Idioms
  • "Come full circle": to return to a previous position or situation, often after a series of events.
    • After years of travel, he came full circle and returned to his hometown. (He completed a round turn of his life journey.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Turn round (phrasal verb): to reverse direction or change opinion.
    • The ship turned round to avoid the storm. (The vessel made a round turn in its course.)