put a spin on

Idioms

Give a certain meaning or interpretation to. Spin is usually modified by an adjective in this expression, as in Robert was adept at putting positive spin on weak financial reports, or This chef has put a new spin on seafood dishes. Also see spin doctor. [1980s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

put a spin on

Accepting one of his many awards, Johnson’s Trump put a spin on Sally Field’s iconic Oscar acceptance speech.

From Salon ● Jan. 25, 2026

There was something about having creative autonomy, to put a spin on an idea and make my own impression in the world.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 15, 2021

“You can put a spin on anything,” he said.

From The New Yorker ● Oct. 29, 2019

For Gay Pride weekend in New York, we set out to put a spin on the idea.

From New York Times ● Jun. 25, 2015

He put a spin on We're, making sure that George knew he was including himself with the Island's management.

From Return to Pleasure Island by Cory Doctorow

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023