U-turn

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Usage note 1.2.2 Synonyms 1.2.3 Translations 1.3 See also

English

Etymology

U + turn, from the similarity to the shape of the letter U.

Noun

U-turn (plural U-turn)

1. (literally) A turn in a vehicle carried out by driving in a semicircle in order to travel in the opposite direction.
2. (figuratively) A reversal of policy; a volte-face

   The government have done a U-turn and are now supporting greater European integration instead of opposing it.

Usage note

• Often used in the phrase do a U-turn.

Synonyms

• uey (Australian & US, colloquial), U-ie (Australian & US, colloquial)

Translations

• Dutch: rechtsomkeert, draai van 180 graden
• Finnish: U-käännös (1, 2), takinkääntäminen (2)

See also

• three-point turn
• y-turn
• hook a uey hook a U-ie
• flip a bitch
• moonshiner's turn
• hang a Louie
• hang a Ralph