Definition

Verb phrase: - To cause a complete reversal of the circumstances or the course of events: This phrase means to change a situation so that an advantage shifts from one side to the other, often from a losing or unfavorable position to a winning or favorable one.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a significant and decisive change in the progress or outcome of a situation, such as a competition, conflict, or trend. It implies a pivotal moment where fortunes are reversed.

Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • The team's star player returned from injury and scored twice, turning the tide of the match.
  • The new evidence presented by the defense lawyer turned the tide in the trial.
  • A sudden shift in public opinion turned the tide against the proposed policy.

Advanced Usage

• "to turn the tide of battle/war": to reverse the course of a military conflict.
  • The arrival of reinforcements turned the tide of battle in their favor.
• "to turn the tide of public opinion": to cause a major shift in what the general public believes or supports.
  • The documentary aimed to turn the tide of public opinion on the issue.

Variants and Related Words

• Turn the tables (idiom, verb phrase): To reverse a situation so that a person or group that was at a disadvantage gains an advantage over another.
  • After losing the first set, she turned the tables and won the match.

Synonyms

• Reverse the situation: To change the circumstances to the opposite.
• Shift the momentum: To change the driving force or advantage in a progressing situation.

Related Idioms

• A turning point (noun phrase): A time at which a decisive change in a situation occurs.
  • The election was a turning point for the country.
• Sea change (noun phrase): A profound or notable transformation.
  • The invention sparked a sea change in how we communicate.

Verb

1. cause a complete reversal of the circumstances
   • The tables are turned now that the Republicans are in power!