to serve the turn - Glite Dictionary

Examples

If you don't have any sugar, honey will serve the turn in this recipe.
In times of crisis, people often have to serve the turn with whatever resources they have.
This solution will serve the turn for now.
The temporary measures served the turn during the crisis.
The old computer may not be fast, but it will serve the turn until we buy a new one.
These plastic chairs are not the best looking, but they will serve the turn for the party.
Although the restaurant is not fancy, it can serve the turn if you're looking for a quick meal.

Synonyms

to serve

vsto serve the turn

∞ 1.8

To be used for a specific purpose or to help achieve something

is focused on adequacy in changing situations rather than general use

to function

vsto serve the turn

441 2.6

To work in a particular role or job

is about temporary adequacy rather than ongoing regular functioning

to act

vsto serve the turn

279 1.0

Have an effect or work in a certain way

is about being adequate for a purpose often temporarily

to act as

vsto serve the turn

199 2.6

Serve in the role of a person or thing

is about being adequate for changing needs rather than just filling a role

to serve well

vsto serve the turn

3 3.5

Be useful to someone when they need it

is about meeting a need temporarily rather than offering clear benefit

Antonyms

to fail

∞ 1.0

Not do something you promised or should do

to dissatisfy

1 4.3

To make someone unhappy because something does not meet their needs or wants

How Adequate

ideal

241 3.8

to get the job done

94 2.4

suitable

172 1.8

to serve the turn

UK

1 7.9

to work

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

serve the turn infinitive

served the turn past

served the turn past participle

serving the turn present participle

serves the turn third person singular

Morphology

serve + the + turn

The MWE's meaning ('to be adequate, to fulfil a purpose') aligns with the literal sense of 'serve' (to fulfil a purpose) and a less common sense of 'turn' (occasion/use), so part of the meaning is compositional. However, the specific use of 'turn' in this sense and the fixed phrasing 'serve the turn' are not fully predictable for an average B1 learner who only knows the common senses of 'turn', so prior exposure or explanation is likely required.

Etymology

The phrase serve the turn comes from a simple idea: to serve is to do a job and a turn is a small task. Imagine using a jar instead of a glass because it does the job for now. That's why the phrase means 'to be good enough' or 'to do the job'.