volte-face
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volte–face

noun \ˌvlt-ˈfäs, ˌvl-tə-\

Definition of VOLTE-FACE

: a reversal in policy : about-face

Origin of VOLTE-FACE

French, from Italian voltafaccia, from voltare to turn + faccia face, from Vulgar Latin *facia — more at volt, face
First Known Use: 1819

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