u-turn

/'ju:,tə:n/

Thân thiện

The driver makes a U-turn at the intersection.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A complete reversal of direction of travel: A U-turn is a driving maneuver where a vehicle turns 180 degrees in order to face and proceed in the opposite direction, typically using a wide, semicircular path.

Usage

• The word is primarily used to describe a specific driving action. It is often seen on road signs and in traffic regulations.
• It is commonly written with a hyphen (), though the unhyphenated form () is also sometimes used.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe a complete reversal of opinion, policy, or strategy.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The driver made an illegal U-turn in the middle of the busy street.
  • There is a "No U-turn" sign at this intersection.
  • The company's new policy represents a complete U-turn on its environmental commitments.

Advanced Usage

• "to do a U-turn": to perform the driving maneuver.
  • He realized he was going the wrong way, so he did a U-turn at the next light.
• "to pull a U-turn": (informal) to execute a U-turn, often suddenly.
  • She missed the exit and had to pull a quick U-turn.

Variants and Related Words

• U-turner (n, informal): A person who makes a U-turn.
  • The U-turner caused a minor traffic delay.
• Flip-flop (n): A sudden reversal of position or policy (a metaphorical synonym, often used in politics).
  • The candidate was accused of a flip-flop on the tax issue.

Synonyms

• About-face: A complete change of direction or opinion.
• Reversal: The act of changing to the opposite direction or course.
• Turnaround: A complete change, often for the better, but can also mean a physical turning around.

Idioms and Metaphorical Use

• "to make a political U-turn": to completely reverse a previously stated political policy or position.
  • The minister was criticized for making a sudden political U-turn on healthcare funding.
• "a U-turn in fortune": a dramatic and complete change in one's luck or situation.
  • The successful product launch marked a U-turn in the company's fortunes.

Học thuật

Noun

1. complete reversal of direction of travel