about-turn

noun

ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈtərn 

plural about-turns

British

: about-face:

a

: a 180 degree turn to the right from the position of attention

b

: a reversal of direction

c

: a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view

made a sudden/abrupt about-turn in policy

Synonyms of about-turn

• reversal
• volte-face

Examples of about-turn in a Sentence

more than one London newspaper accused the prime minister of doing an about-turn on the issue

Recent Examples on the Web

And while this about-turn is leading headlines today, the war in Iran continues to cast a shadow over the trip. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 13 May 2026

The specific reasons behind the about-turns are not clear, as both Iraq and Pakistan had earlier received approvals from Iran to transit the strait. — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026

Veteran forward Nicolas Batum called the team’s about-turn from a 6-21 start remarkable but cautioned against getting wrapped up in the achievement with 17 regular-season games left. — Janis Carr, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026

That was only the latest about-turn by the government, which despite enjoying a sizable majority in the House of Commons, has gained a reputation for turning tail whenever Labour backbenchers oppose a policy. — Will Standring, Bloomberg, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for about-turn

• overturn
• taciturn
• unconcern
• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne