turning-point

The team's victory was a turning-point in the season.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A decisive moment: A "turning-point" is a specific moment or event that marks a significant change in a situation, often leading to a new direction or outcome.
   • A critical juncture: It can refer to a point in time when a crucial decision or action alters the course of events.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The invention of the steam engine was a turning-point in industrial history. (A decisive moment that changed the direction of industry.)
  • Her acceptance into university was a turning-point in her life. (A critical juncture that led to personal development.)

Advanced Usage

• "at a turning-point": to be at a moment of significant change.

  • The company is at a turning-point and must decide whether to expand or restructure. (The company faces a critical decision that will shape its future.)

• "a turning-point for the better/worse": a change that improves or worsens a situation.

  • The new policy was a turning-point for the better in the community. (The policy led to positive change.)

Variants and Related Words

• Turning (adj): capable of changing direction or position.

  • The turning point of the road was marked by a sign. (The point where the road changes direction.)

• Point (n): a particular moment in time or stage in a process.

  • We reached the point where we had to make a decision. (A specific stage in the process.)

Synonyms

• Milestone: an important event or stage in development.
• Crossroads: a point at which a crucial decision must be made.
• Climax: the most intense or decisive moment in a sequence.

Related Idioms

• A watershed moment: a turning-point marking a significant change.

  • The election was a watershed moment in the country's history. (A decisive moment that changed the political landscape.)

• The Rubicon: a point of no return; a decisive step.

  • Crossing the Rubicon was a turning-point in Caesar's career. (A critical decision that led to irreversible change.)