turnabout
Definition
Noun: 1. A complete change of direction, opinion, policy, or allegiance: A reversal to the opposite position or course. 2. The act of turning so as to face the opposite direction: A physical rotation to face the other way.
Usage
The word "turnabout" describes a significant and often surprising reversal. It is commonly used in contexts involving politics, strategy, personal decisions, or physical movement.
Examples
- The government's sudden turnabout on the tax policy surprised everyone.
- After years of rivalry, the company's turnabout led to a partnership with its former competitor.
- With a quick turnabout, she marched back the way she had come.
- His apology represented a complete turnabout from his earlier defiant stance.
Advanced Usage
- "Turnabout is fair play.": This is a common proverb meaning that retaliating against someone who has harmed you is justified or acceptable. It suggests a reversal of fortunes where the original aggressor becomes the target.
- Example: After he played that prank on me, I hid his keys. Turnabout is fair play, after all.
Variants and Related Words
- Turn about (phrasal verb): To reverse direction or to cause something to reverse direction.
- Example: The captain ordered the ship to turn about.
- About-turn (noun, chiefly British): A synonym for "turnabout," especially in military contexts or to describe a sudden change of opinion.
Synonyms
- Reversal
- U-turn
- About-face
- Volte-face
- Change of heart
Antonyms
- Continuation
- Adherence
- Steadfastness
Related Phrases
- A complete turnabout: Emphasizes the total and thorough nature of the reversal.
- Example: The jury's verdict was a complete turnabout from what the legal experts had predicted.
Noun
-
turning in the opposite direction
-
a decision to reverse an earlier decision
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