u-turn
/'ju:,tə:n/
Definition
- Noun:
- A complete reversal of direction of travel: A
U-turnis 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-turnin 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-turnon 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-turnat 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-turnercaused 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-flopon 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-turnon 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-turnin the company's fortunes.
Noun
-
complete reversal of direction of travel
