take a turn for the better
To improve in condition, especially quickly or suddenly. Thankfully he's taken a turn for the better—the doctors weren't sure he'd survive for a while there. My day took a turn for the better when I found out I had gotten the job.
take a turn for the worse
To worsen, often quickly or suddenly. We should get over to the hospital now—Uncle Jim's taken a turn for the worse and probably won't make it through the day. My day took a turn for the worse when I got that phone call.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
take a turn for the better
to start to improve; to start to get well. She was very sick for a month; then suddenly she took a turn for the better. Things are taking a turn for the better at my store. I may make a profit this year.
take a turn for the worse
to start to get worse. It appeared that she was going to get well; then, unfortunately, she took a turn for the worse. My job was going quite well; then last week things took a turn for the worse.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
take a turn for the better
Improve, as in We thought she was on her deathbed but now she's taken a turn for the better. The antonym is take a turn for the worse, meaning "get worse, deteriorate," as in Unemployment has been fairly low lately, but now the economy's taken a turn for the worse . This idiom employs turn in the sense of "a reversal," a usage dating from about 1600.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
take a ˌturn for the ˈbetter/ˈworse
become better/worse: The weather is taking a turn for the worse, I’m afraid.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017