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

1. 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