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Synonyms

turn around

Idioms  

  1. Reverse the direction or course of something or someone, as in He has a way of turning around a failing business, or If someone doesn't turn him around he's headed for trouble. [Late 1800s]

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.

Their advice for motorists was simple: Turn around and don’t drown.

From Slate • Oct. 17, 2025

"Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads," the NWS said in an advisory on Wednesday, cautioning that "most flood deaths occur in vehicles".

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2024

Turn around there or push to the summit for a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks and the larches below.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 28, 2023

“This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Traveling during these conditions is not recommended. It's better to wait. Turn around, don't drown,” the city of Miami tweeted Saturday.

From Scientific American • Jun. 6, 2022

“Oh, I think I got this one under control. Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.