U-turn

American  

[yoo-turn] / ˈyuˌtɜrn /

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 British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of U-turn

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

About nine million pensioners will get the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/2026, after a government U-turn over changes to the eligibility rules.

From BBC

Comedian Aubrey Plaza appears to have made a U-turn on her decision to sell the $6.5 million home where her husband, Jeff Baena, died—just three months after she put the Los Angeles dwelling on the market.

From MarketWatch

James Jones and his wife Christine, like millions of other pensioners, have seen their winter fuel payment reinstated following a government U-turn on restricting the allowance.

From BBC

The tanker, sanctioned for allegedly shipping oil to U.S.-designated terrorist organizations, made an unusual move last weekend, executing a U-turn, refusing to be boarded and racing away from Venezuela at full speed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sanctioned for allegedly shipping oil to U.S.-designated terrorist organizations, the Bella 1 made an unusual move last weekend, executing a U-turn, refusing to be boarded and racing away from Venezuela at full speed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• change of mind
• reversal
• turnaround