about-turn

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about-turn

1. verb In a military formation, to turn and face the opposite direction. The soldiers about-turned and started marching in the direction of the barracks. I watched the troops march past, then they did an about-turn towards the empty field. A: "Which way am I supposed to be facing?" B: "This is when you about-turn, so, turn and face the other way.

2. interjection A military command to execute such a turn. About-turn! Forward march! Following the shout of "About-turn!," the soldiers started marching in the direction of the barracks.

3. noun An abrupt reversal in the opposite direction. We were just about to return home last night when we made an about-turn and headed straight into another bar instead. Young man, do an about-turn and go clean your room this instant! She did an about-turn and walked back up the steps once she saw that the subway wasn't running.

4. noun A complete change or reversal of opinion or belief. A: "I never expected Michael to side with us on this issue." B: "I know. I'm not sure what caused his about-turn, but I'm not complaining." Do you really think these vicious ads will make anyone do an about-turn on their candidate of choice? His about-turn on the topic of tax reform surprised many of his opponents and frustrated many of his constituents.

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References in periodicals archive ?

It is a dramatic about-turn for the ex-Dundee United, Spurs, Everton and Nottingham Forest defender, who finished his career in America.

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The top deck was controversially closed at the start of the season to bring fans closer together but rush in ticket sales has forced an about-turn.

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Doubtless reports from this region and other parts of the country where Olympic football games have been played, helped encourage Mr Romney's grovelling about-turn later.

Joyful spirit infuses the crowds

BOOM But the about-turn was an embarrassment for Transport Secretary Justine Greening, who had dismissed the idea at the weekend.

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We have a police leadership here in the West Midlands that one minute wants to have spy cameras and then does an about-turn. They then want to bring in private companies to do police officers' jobs...

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IF I had my way, there would be a special place in hell reserved for the Lib Dems following their scandalous about-turn over student tuition fees.

Hot-air Huhne won't get tough

But he has now performed an about-turn after being given the opportunity to secure his first coaching role.

JD's double quick switch

However, the recent economic downturn prompted calls for an about-turn, the argument being that clubs would receive more central funding if the pot was split 12 ways instead of 14.

League to stick; sport ROUND-UP

Does that apply to Labour across the board?Will all of their elected members follow suit and start listening?Will we, for instance, see the Labour Party in RCT do an about-turn and listen to everyone who is telling them that their plans to scrap sixthforms in schools are nothing short of madness?

Will Labour start listening? VIEWPOINTS

DERBY'S Robbie Savage has performed an about-turn on his condemnation of Wales manager John Toshack, telling William Hill Radio: "I've been impressed by the way he's built his young side and the way they've played football".

Robbie Savage has performed

The about-turn came after a shambolic courtroom appearance, during which Hilton sobbed uncontrollably, called for her mother and blurted: "It's not fair!"

PARIS HILTON ON SUICIDE WATCH IN JAIL

COLIN MONTGOMERIE took less than a minute to perform a complete about-turn over his prospects of becoming Masters champion this week - or at any time in the future.

Golf: When no can mean yes for Montgomerie

That's an astonishing about-turn after the Portuguese trick-king threatened to walk out on United after the uproar that followed his cheeky wink having helped get United pal Rooney sent off in their World Cup quarter-final clash in Gelsenkirchen.

Football: WINKER TAG JUST ALL RON; The FA CUP e-on FA CUP THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY... FA CUP QUARTER FINAL

Now it appears that Boro's prolonged interest in the Aussie could lead to an about-turn.

Boro close in on Emerton

The poor lads had to about-turn and head for Aberdeen for their bachelor party.

Party spirit fails to get off ground

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