about-turn
about-turn — noun
1. a movement in which a person, group, or vehicle turns right round to face or go
a movement in which a person, group, or vehicle turns right round to face or go the opposite way
Christopher made an about-turn on his bike when the lane ended.
collocation: make an about-turn
The captain ordered an about-turn, and the hikers headed back downhill.
pattern: order an about-turn for a group
A police van made an about-turn outside the stadium after the road closed.
Shirin did a quick about-turn at the museum gate to get her scarf.
- about-face
more common in American English and strongly linked to military language
- U-turn
used more often for vehicles on roads than for people on foot
文法句型
do an about-turn
make an about-turn
用法筆記
More common in British English than in American English. In the literal sense, it often describes soldiers, walkers, or drivers changing direction at once.
常見錯誤
2. a full switch to a different opinion or way of acting after first choosing the o
a full switch to a different opinion or way of acting after first choosing the opposite
After weeks of support, the mayor made an about-turn on parking fees.
pattern: about-turn on [policy issue]
Elena's about-turn on moving abroad surprised everyone at dinner.
The company performed an about-turn over remote work after staff complaints.
Vinícius did an about-turn and agreed to sell the shop after all.
- reversal
more neutral and formal, without the image of a sudden swing
- U-turn
common in news English for policy changes, often with a critical tone
- about-face
American English; stresses how complete the change is
文法句型
an about-turn on something
an about-turn over something
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about opinions, plans, or behaviour, not a physical turn. It often appears with 'on' or 'over' plus the issue that changed.