about turn
C1Formal / Military / Figurative
Definition
Meaning
A military command to turn 180 degrees, or a complete reversal of direction, opinion, or policy.
A sudden and complete change in direction, plan, or viewpoint; often used metaphorically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun (with variations in spelling like 'about-turn' or 'about-face' US). Can be used as a verb in UK English ('to about-turn').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'about turn' (sometimes hyphenated 'about-turn') is the standard noun and verb. In the US, 'about-face' is the more common term, though 'about turn' may be understood in military contexts.
Connotations
In British English, it retains a strong military or formal association. In both varieties, its figurative use connotes a decisive, often surprising, reversal.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English than US English. Figurative use is common in political journalism in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
{subject} did an about-turn on {issue/topic}The {leader/government} about-turned on its {policy/promise}.The command 'About turn!' was given.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “do a complete about-turn”
- “perform an about-turn on something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO's about-turn on the merger shocked investors.
Academic
The paper traces the government's about-turn in foreign policy during the 1980s.
Everyday
After criticising the plan for weeks, he did a total about-turn and voted for it.
Technical
The drill sergeant barked, 'About turn!' and the platoon spun in unison.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister was forced to about-turn on the tax proposal.
- The company about-turned after the public backlash.
American English
- The administration about-faced on its environmental stance.
- (Less common as verb in US) The colonel ordered the troops to about-turn.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The weather did an about-turn and the sun came out.
- He did an about-turn and decided to come with us after all.
- The government's about-turn on education funding was met with criticism.
- The manager performed a sudden about-turn and approved the project.
- The opposition leader's dramatic about-turn on economic policy left her party divided.
- The court's judgment represented a complete about-turn in established legal precedent.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an army sergeant shouting 'ABOUT TURN!' – you turn ABOUT (around) completely. Think of an ABOUT-face (US) or a TURN-around.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE OF DIRECTION IS A PHYSICAL ROTATION (He spun around on the issue). / REVERSING AN OPINION IS WALKING BACKWARDS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'о повороте'. 'Разворот на 180 градусов' or 'резкая смена курса' are better for the figurative meaning. The military command is 'кругом!'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'about turn' as a simple synonym for 'turn' (e.g., 'He about turned the corner' - incorrect). Confusing spelling ('abouturn', 'aboutturn'). Using it in overly informal contexts where 'change of mind' is sufficient.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'about turn' LEAST likely to be used naturally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'About turn' has a stronger military origin and can feel more formal or British. 'U-turn' is more common in everyday language, especially in American English, for any complete reversal (e.g., a car doing a U-turn).
Yes, primarily in British English (e.g., 'The government about-turned'). In US English, 'to about-face' is the more typical verb form.
Both 'about turn' (two words) and the hyphenated 'about-turn' are acceptable, especially for the noun. The hyphenated form is common in UK publishing. The verb is often hyphenated ('to about-turn').
No, it describes a complete reversal, which can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on context. (e.g., a positive about-turn on human rights).