WordVale

a U-turn

say it: YOO·TURN

a complete reversal of policy

In Headline Expressions

In more detail

1. (noun) a turn made by a vehicle that reverses its direction, forming the shape of the letter U

2. (noun) a complete change in direction, policy, or opinion, especially an unexpected one

Examples

• 1. The driver made a u-turn at the traffic light to go back the way they came.
• 2. The government made a sudden u-turn on its environmental policy after public pressure.

How to use a U-turn

Used literally to describe a vehicle's 180-degree turn on a road, and figuratively (more commonly in modern usage) to describe a dramatic reversal of policy, opinion, or direction, often implying inconsistency or political embarrassment. The figurative sense emphasizes the sudden, complete nature of the change.

Common phrases

• make a U-turn
• do a U-turn
• execute a U-turn
• a sharp U-turn
• policy U-turn
• U-turn on

Synonyms

reversal · about-face · volte-face · turnaround · backtrack

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'U-turn' to describe a partial change or gradual shift; it specifically means a complete reversal, not a modification or compromise.

Nearby in Headline Expressions

in the pipeline, par for the course, a step change, a war of words, ruffle feathers, the jury is still out

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained