about turn
1
5.8
- noun
- /əˈbaʊt tɜrn/
- Jargon
- During the military exercise, the soldiers practiced an about turn on command.
Examples
-
At the same time, the media have made a complete about-turn, with most journalists now referring to the "discredited link."
Blog text (12) -
Parade, about turn!
-
Right and left about turn!
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What an about-turn they have made!
Blog text (6) -
You'd have thought someone might have informed Mrs. M of the about-turn made by Catalyst, wouldn't you?
Blog text (20) -
In the realm of practicality, it is difficult to imagine a more dramatic about-turn from the protectionism of the Echeverrian years.
Academic text (1997) -
The drill sergeant ordered an about turn so the recruits would face the other direction.
-
When the coach shouted for an about turn, the entire team swiftly pivoted to face the opposite way.
Synonyms
43
3.2
A complete turn to go the opposite way, like a car on the road
12
7.3
A sudden, complete change of direction or opinion
9
4.4
A place where vehicles change direction to go back
1
4.4
A decision to stop a journey and go back because of a problem
1
9.9
A march back by soldiers to change direction or position
How Complete
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun meaning — a complete turn to face the opposite direction — is directly compositional from 'about' (indicating reversal) + 'turn' (to rotate). This follows a regular English adverb+verb composition (as in 'about-face') and is mirrored in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
About turn comes from a soldier's order to turn about, meaning to turn all the way round and face the other way. That clear image of turning completely is why about turn now means 'a complete change' in plan or direction.