U-turn

[yoo-turn]

noun

1. a U -shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.

2. a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.

verb (used without object)

1. to execute a U-turn.

   to U-turn into oncoming traffic.

U-turn

noun

1. a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction

2. a complete change in direction of political or other policy

Word History and Origins

Origin of U-turn¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

How much social and public-health damage will Americans suffer before doing a U-turn on marijuana promotion?

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He had to do a U-turn on that.

Read more on BBC

Support for pensioners through the winter fuel payment was initially slashed by the government, a move that led to a significant u-turn.

Read more on BBC

Officers were bewildered to see the car — a self-driving Waymo robotaxi — make an illegal U-turn at a traffic light right in front of them, the San Bruno Police Department said in a social media post Saturday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There does seem to be a supportive cohort of disgruntled Labour MPs, particularly among the 130-strong group who rebelled over welfare reforms and forced Downing Street into a humiliating 11th-hour U-turn.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• change of mind www.thesaurus.com
• reversal 
• turnaround