swing about
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To turn abruptly and face the opposite direction, either physically or metaphorically. It implies a quick, pivoting change in orientation or stance.
Usage
The verb "swing about" is used to describe a sudden reversal in direction or position. It can apply to a literal, physical turn or to a figurative change in opinion, focus, or strategy.
Examples
- Physical Turn:
- Hearing his name, he swung about to see who was calling him.
- The soldier swung about to confront the noise behind him.
- Metaphorical Turn:
- The company swung about and adopted a completely new marketing strategy.
- Under new evidence, the committee swung about and supported the proposal.
Advanced Usage
- "to swing someone about": To cause someone to turn quickly.
- She grabbed his shoulder and swung him about to face her.
Variants and Related Words
- Swing around (phrasal verb): A common variant with identical meaning to "swing about".
- He swung around in his chair.
- Turn about (phrasal verb): To turn so as to face the opposite way.
- Turn around (phrasal verb): To change to an opposite direction or position; often used more broadly for improvement or reversal of fortune.
Synonyms
- Pivot: To turn on or as if on a central point.
- Wheel: To turn or change direction suddenly.
- Reverse: To change to the opposite direction, opinion, or policy.
- About-face: A sudden and complete reversal of position or direction (often used as a noun).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Swing around: See "Variants and Related Words".
- Swing by: To visit a place briefly, often while on the way to somewhere else.
- I'll swing by the store on my way home.
- Swing for: To attempt to achieve or hit something.
- The batter swung for the fences.
Related Idioms
- No room to swing a cat: A very small or cramped space.
- This apartment is so tiny, there's no room to swing a cat.
- Swing into action: To start doing something quickly and energetically.
- As soon as the alarm sounded, the team swung into action.
Verb
- turn abruptly and face the other way, either physically or metaphorically
- He turned around to face his opponent
- My conscience told me to turn around before I made a mistake