turning

*turning point

Fig. a time when things may change; a point at which a change of course is possible or desirable. (Originally nautical. Fig. on the image of a ship approaching a point where a change of course has been planned. (*Typically: be at ~; come to ~; reach ~.) Things are at to a turning point. Bob can no longer afford the payments on his car. I think we have come to a turning point and there ought to be some improvement henceforth.

See also: point

It is a long lane that has no turning.

Prov. Bad times cannot continue forever.; Things will soon improve. Nancy: It's been six months, and neither one of us can find work. I'm afraid we're going to lose everything. Bill: Don't despair, honey. It is a long lane that has no turning. Your luck has been bad for a long time, but it is a long lane that has no turning. I'm sure things will change soon.

See also: has, lane, long

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the wheels are turning

something that you say which means a process is starting to happen By the late 1940s the wheels were turning that would make a manned space flight possible by the end of the next decade.

See oil the wheels, set the wheels in motion, spin wheels

See also: wheel

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the wheels are turning

something is happening By the late 1940s the wheels were turning that would make space flight possible by the end of the 1950s.

See also: wheel